"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Ephesians 5:1-2
Our mission in building the body of Christ is to live in holy obedience. During our 2008 observance of a holy Lent, we shared 46 days on one accord praying and studying through our devotional guide. No one monitored each other. No one forced another to observe or even pick up the devotionals. We trusted the devotionals to be given to every member, and that each member would follow the leading of the Holy Spirit as an active participant. We trusted each other to God.
Beyond the norm of fasting, studying Scripture, and praying without ceasing, it has been a journey of hope. The hope of the senior minister remains deeply grounded in the faith that members will love one another with the Agape of God. Disciples of Jesus are to love as Jesus has loved. It is a sacrificial love, in that we give beyond our tithe in time, space, energy, and finance in order to build the body of Christ in ministries and people.
As a result of the 2008 journey, may we walk in the light of love, which remained in the heart of God during the crucifixion. Love was shown on the cross for the enemies of God, sinners against God, and saints desiring the love of God. Our call is to build the Body of Christ in holy obedience, loving one another, so as to have the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. The ideal is to have a community of faith unspoiled by sin, death, pain, and sorrow. A place of peace, where God is seen in the face of the people of God. How can we do it? Good question!
Such love requires in most cases a new attitude. By faith may we renew our minds, hearts, and souls as to believe that we are able to respect, care, listen, and empathize with persons joining us in the community of faith. It is an intentionality of love. It is being alert to treating persons as we want to be treated, not as they are necessarily treating us. Being in holy obedience is following the commandments of our covenant with God. Jesus taught that the covenant can be upheld by loving God with all our whole being, and our neighbors as ourselves.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on our souls and help us to love each other. Amen.
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