Happy Valentine’s Day!

Dear Congregation,

Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you noticed the message on our outdoor sign as you’ve entered the church parking lot. It says, “LOVE LIKE JESUS.” I found this message on a dish towel from Target (picture) which I immediately purchased, of course. It just goes to show that God can use just about anything to encourage Christian discipleship, even a kitchen towel!

Although the message is short, only three words, it can be very challenging if taken seriously. The Gospels give examples of Jesus’ love as an emotion, but must often his love is shown in his actions and words. In my opinion, Jesus most challenging words about love might be these in Matthew 5. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?”

In the political reality of today, it is tempting to hate those who are using their power to take actions that we find appalling hurting others and our environment. I would encourage you (and myself) to hate the sin, but to try to love the sinner. As The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

Let us dedicate ourselves, as individuals and as Christ’s church, to LOVE LIKE JESUS!

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Candy