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Spreading the Love

This is a childhood photo of myself. I learned about love from my parents. God wants everyone to share love with others.
Do you realize that you are commissioned to be God’s messenger of good news, and an instrument for sharing the experience of love?
Word
The prophet Jeremiah is told there are no excuses not to spread God’s message of love, “I appointed you a prophet to the nations ...” And, “Do not say, ‘I am only a boy’; for you shall go to all to whom I send you ...” That is, everyone is chosen to speak and show love to everyone.
Jesus announced his mission to bring good news of God’s life changing love. But he did not stop there. He went on to renew people’s lives by setting them free from guilt of sins, suffering with disease, and loneliness from exclusion.
Connection
Church experience can be comforting like a cozy quilt. You got your friends, the familiar words and hymns of worship, or the comfort that comes from the feel and look of the place.
But God wants others to be covered and comforted, too. So let’s not get too wrapped up and keep God’s love only for ourselves.
Sharing God's love requires us to change. That means lifting the quilt and sharing it with strangers, sharing your friends and the space, singing different songs, or have the furniture moved. It means adapting to the needs of young people, their tastes, or schedules.
How we do church may look different from what you and I have been used to. But what stays the same is God's mission to tell people about God’s love and show it in our life. And, those new people will grow the church, and enrich it by sharing their gifts.
Message
Good news: God chooses everyone to be a messenger. Each of us has different gifts, but they all serve the same purpose to bring good news through words and actions of love.
Jesus says: Abide in faith, hope, and love. The greatest gift is God’s love. Don’t keep it for yourself. Spread the love in your church and through your life.

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