Photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann on Unsplash
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
There’s a saying, “You can catch more bees with honey than vinegar.” I’m not sure if that’s a scientifically proven fact “bee catchers” would follow, but the point really isn’t about catching bees anyway. The point is actually about drawing people, especially those who are not on your side of things, to yourself by a little sweetness instead of trying to argue them over to your side.
As Jesus served His disciples the Passover meal on the night of His last supper with them, He said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). Jesus desires for His disciples to show Himself to “all people” everywhere. After all, He came into the world because His Father loved the world – all of it … not just portions of it – and wanted to save the world – all of it … not just portions of it (John 3:16). And the way disciples show Jesus to the world is by living their lives in a way that’s consistent with His word … living lives that show they love God by loving their neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40) with “selfless, sacrificial acts done without expecting anything in return” – the definition of “true love” according to God and His word.
As Jesus’ disciples in the 21st century, these words are for us too. God calls us to also “love one another” that through our true love – “agape” (αγαπη) love – others would know we’re Jesus disciples. Through the “sweetness” of our true love, others in the world would be drawn to Jesus asking us, “Why do you act that way?” In response we can invite them, “Let me tell you why. I follow a man named Jesus. Would you like to hear about Him and what He’s done for me?”
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
In the Love of Christ,
Pastor Jim