Last night in my home community group, we talked about Love. What is love; how does our culture view love; what does that mean to us as Christians? The two Bible verses that come to mind are:
- Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.1 John 4:11
- But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.Romans 5:8
During these past 3 weeks in Portland, I have been shown this unconditional love - a love with no limits, expectations, requirements or obligations. The extended family that I have up here is giving me a wonderful place to live and amazing support and advice - not to mention the job that brought me here! My aunt makes coffee and cooks dinner for me. Her prayer group prays for me every Wednesday morning when they meet. My coworkers are more than welcoming and hospitable. We have lunch and dinner together often. They want to get to know me. My friend Carrie has invited me to her church, over to her house, on a weekend trip to Seattle! I have gotten connected with a wonderful church community group who is accepting and glad for me to become a part of them.
This sounds so cliche, but their kindness and love for me makes me want to be a better person. Its so easy to be exclusive with groups of friends or social activities. We often expect something in return for our good deeds.
I find this love to be contagious. It's simple: God loves us, so we should love our neighbor - whoever they may be.
This sounds so cliche, but their kindness and love for me makes me want to be a better person. Its so easy to be exclusive with groups of friends or social activities. We often expect something in return for our good deeds.
I find this love to be contagious. It's simple: God loves us, so we should love our neighbor - whoever they may be.
That is so wonderful!
ReplyDeleteFYI...Steve and Thanne are your cousins, though they may seem more like an aunt and uncle.
Love you and love your blog.