"Did you learn to love?"
When Bob Jones was taken to heaven many years ago, this was the question Jesus asked him. It was not even, "Did you tell people about me?" or "Did you worship me?" though both of these are great things to do. But, "Did you learn to love?"
Jesus gave his followers a command on the night of his arrest--an exclamation point to his ministry on the earth. He said, "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34)
Listen to how Paul highlights this (from the Mirror Translation):
"Love (the revealed value that God sees in every person) gives truth its voice. In this atmosphere (of love) spontaneous growth is inevitable The whole person is addressed in Christ who is the head of the body (pictured as a conductor of music, epichoregeo). From Him flows the original composition and detail of our design like words intertwined in poetry, they connect layer upon layer to complete the harmony, following the rhythm of His thoughts like footprints. Meanwhile the body thrives and pulsates with the energy of love. Each individual part (portion) finds its full measure there." Ephesians 4:15-16
The simple truth is that love changes people and love wins! When we finally accept and receive the super-abundant love and acceptance of our Papa in heaven, we are forever changed! And when we freely give away to others what we have freely recieved, they are changed too!
I have watched over the years as love has caused inevitable spontaneous growth in you! And I want to thank you for being part of this culture of love, grace and honor at Blazing Fire that has radically changed the hearts of so many! Week after week, I watch as people come (often broken and hurting) to Blazing Fire Church for the first time and are changed by the love and acceptance that they encounter. Thank you also for choosing to take the love that you receive and give it away everywhere you go!
When Bob Jones was taken to heaven many years ago, this was the question Jesus asked him. It was not even, "Did you tell people about me?" or "Did you worship me?" though both of these are great things to do. But, "Did you learn to love?"
Jesus gave his followers a command on the night of his arrest--an exclamation point to his ministry on the earth. He said, "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34)
Listen to how Paul highlights this (from the Mirror Translation):
"Love (the revealed value that God sees in every person) gives truth its voice. In this atmosphere (of love) spontaneous growth is inevitable The whole person is addressed in Christ who is the head of the body (pictured as a conductor of music, epichoregeo). From Him flows the original composition and detail of our design like words intertwined in poetry, they connect layer upon layer to complete the harmony, following the rhythm of His thoughts like footprints. Meanwhile the body thrives and pulsates with the energy of love. Each individual part (portion) finds its full measure there." Ephesians 4:15-16
The simple truth is that love changes people and love wins! When we finally accept and receive the super-abundant love and acceptance of our Papa in heaven, we are forever changed! And when we freely give away to others what we have freely recieved, they are changed too!
I have watched over the years as love has caused inevitable spontaneous growth in you! And I want to thank you for being part of this culture of love, grace and honor at Blazing Fire that has radically changed the hearts of so many! Week after week, I watch as people come (often broken and hurting) to Blazing Fire Church for the first time and are changed by the love and acceptance that they encounter. Thank you also for choosing to take the love that you receive and give it away everywhere you go!
Papa says, "Thank you!" too!!
When I've been in really tough spots, this is the only thing that works.
ReplyDeleteAmazing how nothing but love breaks down barriers.