All Because of the LOVE they Shared
Families.
Need we say more?
We may be blessed to know and live in close proximity to our family—OR—We may be blessed to see and visit with our family through the beauty of modern technology.
This week, a young university student was hurrying home to Denmark to attend her sixty-plus-member family getaway weekend, and she was so excited to see everyone. As we drove together toward the airport, we talked about this upcoming event, and it was easy to sense her anticipation. This family reunion occurred annually and had for her entire life (all twenty-four years).
Clearly the gathering would continue well into the future because of the LOVE they shared.
Last evening, a beautiful young lady invited us to attend a surprise sixtieth birthday party. In reflection of the night’s events, it was clear to see how exited her three children were for this party for their mom, and as I listened to her son-in-law’s wonderful prayer before our meal, I recalled all the ways this ‘daughter, mom, Nene, friend, significant other, and Mama J’ touched the lives of those sitting together to celebrate HER.
This beautiful FAMILY gathering occurred because of the LOVE they shared.
In the Bible, the apostle often referred as the ‘beloved disciple’ penned these words given through God’s Holy Spirit.
“We love,
(The 1st Letter of John 4: 19-21 NAS)
because He first loved us.
If someone says, “I love God,”
and hates his brother, he is a liar;
for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen,
cannot love God whom he has not seen.
And this commandment we have from Him,
that the one who loves God should love his brother also.”
The Word of God leaves no ‘wiggle’ room when we consider how we are to love our neighbors: our friends, co-workers, community members, students, clients, spouses, children, sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, & grandparents.
WE ARE TO LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS AS WE LOVE OURSELVES.
The Word of God clearly defines ‘why’ we are to love and where this love originated.
WE LOVE BECAUSE GOD LOVED EACH OF US—FIRST!
At the end of last night’s special gathering, the birthday girl’s parents and I had a moment to say goodbye. As we hugged, chatted, and before we walked to their vehicle, I had a chance to speak with them about how we demonstrate our love through the way we honor our parents. We are preparing to step into Mother’s Day tomorrow & then shortly, we will step into Father’s Day. We are to honor our Mothers & our Fathers because the Bible clearly commands us to do so, and the Word of God is clear why—IT IS ALL BECAUSE OF THE LOVE WE SHARE WITH OUR HEAVENLY FATHER!
“Honor your father and your mother,
(Exodus 20: 12 NAS)
that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.”
Happy Birthday, Julena—to my dear friend.
&
Happy Mother’s Day—tomorrow, to all the beautiful mothers.