I John 4:7
Popular culture today is filled with cute sayings, song lyrics and phrases that claim to reveal the meaning of love. We use the word love to describe anything from our favorite food, to our cars and clothing or even our hairstyles. We also use that same word to describe our romantic attachment to a significant other, and people whom we have affection toward.
God wants us to know a deeper, more satisfying love. A love that we could never earn- one that is given freely, and is the greatest of all gifts. When we hear about free gifts these days, often a little bell goes off in the back of our brains saying "What's the catch?" or "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is." This is understandable in a world in which many people feel stressed out, overworked and spiritually hungry. We hear many promises, but very few seem to be kept in the end.
God's love is a promise that he always keeps. No matter where we are in the journey, God meets us there and invites us to a richer and fuller life. All that he asks is that we follow by faith.
The first gift of love God gives us is true and lasting peace.
In John 14:27 Jesus says this "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Jesus said this knowing that he would soon face a very agonizing death on a cross, yet he had peace because he had experienced God's love first hand, and came to share that love with the world.
God invites us to experience a life-changing love that overcomes the world!
Jesus came into a lost and broken world bringing a powerful message of faith, hope and love. He not only spoke of love- he lived it, and died for it. He gave himself out of love for us- overcoming even death itself.
Are you hungry for a love that is more satisfying than anything the world has to offer?
Are you tired of empty promises that are never fulfilled?
Do you yearn for a new start in your life?
God is reaching out, offering the gift of his perfect love- will you invite him into your heart? Will you allow him to share his love with you more powerfully than ever before? What will your answer to him be?
Peace in the Lord,
Pastor John
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