God is love.

I was watching a news program one day, and I was watching two protests going on at the same time. It was a chaotic scene. Two opposing groups facing off in a middle of a city. To be honest it was scary watching people yell and abuse one another. I could tell both groups were passionate about their position, and to be honest, I don’t even remember what they were arguing about. In the middle of the mass of people I saw a sign, that read “Love is All we need”. I wish I could tell you that the person holding the sign looked loving, but she wasn’t. She was yelling like the rest of the crowd.

If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 1 John 4:10

Love is a big word. God is love. We use that word for all different kind of situations. “We love chocolate cake” to "we love our spouses.” In church we are told to love our enemies. Have we really thought through how difficult that is? There are people who are so disagreeable to us, we get annoyed at the very thought of certain characteristics. God doesn’t say we should ignore them, or avoid them, but love them. Love is hard, well, the kind of love God is talking about. Pride is a destroyer. We judge others and we overvalue our own opinion. Love is so much more than our knowledge or sense of emotion. Love looks at someone who doesn’t deserve our affection, but it gives it anyway. Why? Love always wins.

1 Corinthians: 13, is a chapter that challenges us to be what we are created for. Love is what connects us to the Creator of the universe, love is what brings people together. Pride pushes us apart, Love brings us together. Pride tries to find ways to be “right”, but love finds ways to stand united. How does love challenge you?

Connected to the Vine

-Pastor Danny