Be the Spark

June 2, 2021
Midweek study with Pastor Edith
1 John 4: 10 – 12, Matthew 28:16-20

I read a sweet article recently about what it means to be “Contagious”. In the midst, and possible aftermath, of a pandemic in which so many are worried about the spreading of the virus that kept us captive and took the lives of so many in our world, this author looks at a more eternal issue; the development of a Christian.

Here is my take on it: I understand the word “development” to mean that the Christian faith is an ongoing journey in growing in love with Jesus Christ and developing love for others. Last Sunday, the churches with which I serve, celebrated “Trinity Sunday” where we looked at the significance of our faith rooted in our marvelous God who presents himself in three persons while keeping to the “One God” we worship. Though it is hard for the mortal mind to understand a “Three in One” Character of God, I believe that God, in his love for us, shows us through his word, and through the journey of the Christian walk, what it means to be loved just the way we are, and how we can share that love with everyone, even the ones we don’t understand or with whom we disagree.

In other words; He is always with us!

1 John 4:10-12 defines love in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and then goes on to say that we should reflect that sacrificial love toward others. But how? This is the question that constantly disturbs believers today; How do I love others and stay true to what I believe is the truth in God’s word? How do I love others that seem bent on destroying themselves or others? How do I truly love those who disagree with what I understand the Bible to say about Life and living? How is it possible to love them when I don’t like them?

Matthew 28:16-20 gives the directive to believers in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”.

Do you see that “all” (Everybody and “all Ya’ll; - “all nations”.?) Sometimes I think we get caught up in “all nations”; being an overseas mission, which is true; we want everyone in all the world to know God’s love for them. Please, don’t forget that (“all”) is right in our neighborhood. Believers are meant to be purposefully “Contagious”, right where we are; at Home, in the Grocery Store, at the Gas Station, During worship at Church…

The Reverend Rita Hayes puts it this way in her article from the magazine ; Christian Living in the Mature Years ,Spring 2021 - “God is Love”- “Maybe the word contagious bothers me because I have not done a particularly good job of passing God’s love along… perhaps I need to revisit the words of the song that [may have been inspired by 1 John] …”That’s how it is with God’s love, Once you’ve experienced it: you spread his love to everyone; you want to pass it on.

BE THE SPARK, RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE.

Amen.