Pastor Thoughts

PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS     FEBRUARY 1, 2010


LOVE EXPRESSED = LOVE ENJOYED
The subject of love is so broad that it is difficult to write about it in one page!  Valentine's Day is almost upon us and we will hear the "L-O-V-E " word a lot every where we go!! Most of us think of 'love' as soft, cuddly and happy and indeed that is one facet of the 'diamond' called love!!  Love is something that we all desire! Love enriches us and give us strength and growth in our inner being!!  We are very wise when we work at the way we love God, others and ourselves! There is a book written by Kaye Miller that is entitled "Called to Love."  Kaye encourages us to realize that every Christian is 'called' to love God through worship and others through service.  

We need to understand that another facet of love is the fact that it is hard work and might be difficult.  Love is, more often than not, painful, expensive and time consuming!  Have you ever thought about that?!  We need to put effort into our love of God and others. For instance, it costs time and (sometime) money to make a happy marriage!! A couple needs to invest love and also time in their marriage.  Couples need to share not only love for each other, but they must share each other's burdens!  Have you ever heard that when a burden is shared (with someone we love) it becomes half as heavy because each person lifts up half as much weight.  Also, a burden shared with love doubles in happiness, when we complete the task, because both partners are filled with joy so there is 'double joy'.  Interesting thought!  Shared love (and work) is very rewarding!

This Sunday, I will be speaking on the ultimate example of love which is, of course, God's limitless love for us!  Was it painful?  Yes!!  The love that God has for us cost Him pain through Jesus' death on the cross.  It was sacrificial because Jesus gave everything He had including His life blood for us!  Now, His painful and sacrificial love for us has resulted in our joy, peace and salvation. Focus on the way that God gave us His love through Jesus' death on the cross. How precious is that love to you?  Are you willing to pass it on to others?

In the days before Sunday, let us be aware of the ways we are called to express our love to others since God has so graciously expressed His love to us.  Share it with others!
A caring, concerned, loving look as you meet people can encourage them.  A loving, helping-hand can make a difference in the life of someone struggling with their burdens.  A loving and listening attitude as someone shares his thoughts with you can ease a weary person's heart.  A sacrificial, loving gift can enable a struggling hungry person to have a meal.  Others ways?  Find them and share them with me on Sunday.

Pastor Jack