What About Love?

But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. —Luke 6:35a

Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven;
hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little. —Luke 7:47

He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
and with all your soul, and with all your strength,
and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” —Luke 10:27

Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides, and gravity,
we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then,
for a second time in the history of the world,
humankind will have discovered fire.
—Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

So much of the “noise” we hear on “Talk Radio,” and the commentaries on the television, encourage us to be suspicious of those who are different from us, or even to be outright hostile. The movement Jesus founded was about love, not violent confrontation. Jesus offered his hearers a challenge and a choice: because we have been forgiven, we may choose to be loving, even to our enemies.

How does Jesus find you not being loving: have you gossiped about a former friend or church member who annoys you? Have you spoken negatively of those in an opposing political party who vote differently than you do? Have you turned your back on someone who is poor and has a greater need?

Jesus invites us into mission and service, to bring all people to Him, by showing greater love.

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. —John 15:13

How can we show greater love this month: as we invite seniors to our "friendship luncheon" or urge our neighbors to sit with us at the next church supper? Can we show greater love in our worship services as we greet visitors and welcome back people who are returning?

October included a denominational program, “Week of the Ministry,” sponsored by our Pension Fund, on October 17 to 24. It's still timely to ask, can we show love and support for those who perform ministry amongst us, our lay leaders, committee and group members and many faithful volunteers?

I look forward to greeting you at the church door or in places where we share ministry together,

Paul