Over the past month we have been looking at various aspects of the life of the Church and those who form it, namely those who have placed their trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord.  Some might call these people "Christians".  (By the way, "Christian" is a term found in Scripture, but not used by Jesus' followers to describe themselves, but rather what others, namely the Antiochians, called our "sect" of Judaism.)  In our teachings we have demonstrated that we live out our purpose of reflecting God's glory through not only loving God, but also by loving others as ourselves, even nurturing the obedience of faith in others.  We have seen that our worship together is an act of loving God and essential to the health of the community.  We have seen that as individuals when  our hearts/minds, souls, and might are fixed and transformed on Christ, then our thinking, being, and doing all change...towards Christ-centeredness.  Last week, Gail eloquently shared how the people of God are redeemed to be agents of redemption...bringing good news to the poor...even as Christ did.  

This week we will look at how our life with Christ cannot be separated from our love for one another.  In fact they are intrinsically linked.  We cannot truly love God, if we do not love our brothers and sisters in Christ.  And, as I've shared before, other Christians tend to be the people most difficult for me to love.  Maybe you can relate.  I just seem to expect more from those in Christ.  But I fail to realize far too often that these "siblings" are on a journey, too, and my role is to come alongside and encourage, and perhaps at times exhort, even rebuke...but always, always, always out of love for them and for Christ.  Too often again, I am quick to judgment, quick to impatience, quick to unkindness, quick to disassociate.  This is wrong and it misses the mark (sin!) on what it means to love God and love others.  

Last week, while away (and that seems to be the best place go to get realigned with the Holy Spirit), I realized that my love for God and my love for His people were waining.  Being so busy "for God" I had failed to simply be "with God".  The classic Mary and Martha scenario.  God gently reminded me that everything most be centered on Him and all that love we're called to (even for those who drive us batty) will come as an overflow of his "eternal life" springing from within us.  I repented in Hawai'i.  (By the way, that's a great place to repent!)  I am excited to see where God carries us (you and me together!) as we abide, abide, abide in Him.  God is at work among us, friends.  May you be able to step aside and realign yourself with what He is calling you to...and my guess is, He is simply calling you to His side.  What a sweet place of joy!   

This Sunday we will explore this topic some more.  Carve out some time to grow deeper...together...with Him!

Grace and peace,

Dave