BE THE ONE TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER IN 2021

During January we have approached each new day with God directing our steps one day at a time. We have committed to “Be The One in 2021.” We reminded ourselves of the importance of prayer as we embrace this year long process. We recognized that we are one in the body of Christ, His church with Christ as the head. We also emphasized that each and every one matters to God. Each one of us is uniquely gifted to accomplish together the one mission that God has given us to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. In addition, we talked about praying for one person that God would place on your heart to share his love and his salvation message. Who’s your one? Are you praying?

There is still much uncertainty about what lies in the days ahead? As the gospel writer reminds us the words which Jesus spoke himself. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34 Amen to those wise words. We take each day as a gift given to us by God. We are to treasure the gift and live life to the best of our ability in obedience to God’s commands. A command found in John 13:34 reminds us

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another:                                   just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

 

Jesus goes on to say that the reason we do this is in order for the world to know that we are Christ followers. So I pause and ask myself the question, “would the world know that I follow Jesus because of my love for others?” Would those within my family, my friends my church, within any of the environments I find myself in, know that I follow Jesus Christ because of my love for them? Jesus even told us to love our enemies. Well how are we supposed to do that? In our humanness, that can be a tall order but with the help and strength of Christ we can do all things.

 

As God challenges us to “Be The One” to take a step for Him in 2021, we recognize at the top of our list is the opportunity to Love One Another. Jesus commanded us to care for one another, show kindness and express love for our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as for those in our world. One of the unfortunate results of Covid is the separation that many of us feel from those whom we love. We recognize the strain this has put on many relationships and we can help reduce this problem as we reach out to communicate with those we care about. I want to invite you to take the “Love Challenge” with me for the month of February.

 

The “Love Challenge” is a daily challenge to help equip us a church to connect with each other and those in our world. What if there as an easy way, a simple way, a fun way to build relationships back up. For the 28 days of February you have the opportunity, if you are able, to show love and care to the people God has placed in your life. As you can see below, there is a challenge for each day of the week and we will repeat the process weekly for 4 weeks.  Simply do your best to follow the daily challenge. Will you consider being a part of the love challenge? Will you reach out to connect and encourage others in your life. I think we all need this and can do this. I hope you will accept the Love Challenge and by this, the world will know you are a  follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. “Love one another as I have loved you.”

 

May we be of one heart and one mind as we embrace the future God has in store for us. A future of promise and possibilities!

Pastor Kevin