Morning Devotional

Exodus 20:13  Do not kill. ( OUR YOUTH HAS BEEN STUDYING THIS and the other 9 )
Matthew 5:21-22, 43-44

“You have heard that it was said to those who lived long ago, Don’t commit murder, and all who commit murder will be in danger of judgment. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with their brother or sister will be in danger of judgment. If they say to their brother or sister, ‘You idiot,’ they will be in danger of being condemned by the governing council. And if they say, ‘You fool,’ they will be in danger of fiery hell… You have heard that it was said, You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you.

Welcome Home
This is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love each other as he commanded us. (1 John 3:23)

Love is an overly familiar word whose concept never eludes us. We often define it by loving the movies we see or the books we read. Love is displayed by supporting our country Displayed through family and friends. But in this passage, we are reminded of another kind of love – a mandate to love. Love is more than a feeling or sudden flash of emotion. It demands more from us than poetic words and romantic gestures. It summons everything and requires all. Love is infinite and, through that characteristic, challenges our finite understanding.

We are reminded that heaven commanded an enormous, simple, sacrificial loving act. This heavenly love became a person, stepping into our pain and walking in our grief. Love willingly and voluntarily died – and in doing so, made new life available to us.

So of course the question then becomes; what does that look like for us today? With Christ in you and me, by the Spirit of God, love is transferred from a romantic notion into a human being. Love becomes a listening ear on a hard day. ( Like in men's group and the women's groups) Love becomes a high five celebrating a joyous occasion. Love goes out of the way to mow a neighbor’s yard, pick up branches after a storm, or move someone even when inconvenience. . Love sits beside someone else in the hospital waiting room as they await eagerly for good news. While often intangible, love is almost always visible through sacrifice, compassion, and generosity.

Let’s allow this love to have its way with us as we gather this morning celebrating each other in Christ.  I hope to see you here this morning for Communion Sunday. pastor Carl 

Almighty God, Father in heaven. Thank you Lord for grace.  Thank you for loving me, my families and my neighbors. I pray that my life will be filled and overflowing with the power of your love so You can make a difference in this world through my love. .As Congregationalist I believe we all are to be your hands and feet in this world today, please use me and everyone to be your hands and feet, that we may be a beacon of hope for those we come into contact with. Unite us oh Lord to be one family thorough Your Son. In Jesus' name Amen.