Seasoned with Love

Can you think of a time when you felt especially loved? What would you say made you feel that way? The good news of this season is that God loves us, but his love is demonstrated in sending his son. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins,” (1 John 4:10, NIV). That what we celebrate in this season—that in his great love for us, God sent his son.

It's also a time for us to demonstrate that love for others. The very next verse to what I quoted above says this: “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another,” (1 John 4:11, NIV). This season is also a time for us to demonstrate our love for others. When you think creatively, how can you visibly and with actions show your love for others? Maybe it would be doing something especially kind for someone who is struggling. Maybe it would be an unexpected gift for someone in need. Maybe it would be a card or note to someone, just letting them know you care. I said in my sermon yesterday that I believe there are many who need to feel loved. It’s one of the privileges of the Christian life that we can do this.

Remember the special opportunities we have for giving at this time of the year. Many mission organizations, local food banks, and other kinds of charities are asking for extra donations in this time.

Next week will be Gaudete Sunday! It’s a moment to rejoice in the midst of the Advent season.

God bless you all,

Brian

Scripture readings for next Sunday Zephaniah 3:14-20—Why do you think this note of joy occurs at the end of such a dark book?

Zechariah 9:9-13—What is the significance of the phrase “Daughter of Zion” here and in the previous passage?

John 16:19-24—What promise does Jesus give us here about our joy?

Philippians 4:4-9—What do you think joy means?