August 16, 2020
Love.
“There is no fear in love,” John writes in 1st John 4: 18. “Perfect love drives out fear.”
But how should that look in a world reeling from all the strange news of 2020? There is presidential election in the United States, a pandemic that has swept across the globe, economic turmoil, global warming, and so many other issues that raise a specter of fear. Or, if it’s not fear, maybe “worry” is a better word. The things mentioned here barely scratch the surface of what we have to worry about.
Everybody is concerned about family members, and whether they’ll get to see one another again without getting sick, or infecting others. Parents are concerned that online-only schooling to block spreading covid-19 will hurt their children’s education. Even if it isn’t keeping you awake at night, you still have things running in the back of your mind. We all have those feelings.
In 1st Corinthians 13:6, Paul writes that perfect love “doesn’t delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth.” Read the complete chapter and you’ll see all the good qualities that Paul describes.
But remember, love still speaks the truth. It doesn’t spread “sensationalized” news stories, unverified rumors, harmful gossip, or conspiracy theories. It doesn’t deliberately sow divisive messages.
As believers in Christ, our story isn’t supposed to be bland, apolitical, and never get people’s attention–but it is supposed to show love in a way that makes our faith appeal to others. It’s also supposed to promote healthy fellowship, and relationships that go beyond just “hitting the like button,” or commenting on somebody’s latest post.
Come join us as we chase after perfect love, and learn how to show it to the world.