Saturday, February 1, 2020

For God So Loved the World...



February 2020

Here I am thinking it’s already February, then realizing it's a leap year, so a longer February, which led me to contemplate what “February” means, then of course realizing Valentines Day will soon be upon us. Shaking my head by how one random thought leads to many more, curiosity got the better of me and I decided to look up the meaning of February just to see how it came by its name. I found it was derived from the Latin word Februarius meaning “to purify”. So in ancient Roman times, February was known as the “Month of Purification”, a transitional time just after a month of reflection and New Year's resolutions. February has also been long celebrated as a month of romance, and St. Valentine’s Day as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. I read opposing versions for the actual tradition of celebrating St. Valentine’s Day itself, but one version recognizes the death of the martyred Catholic priest St. Valentine. There are differing stories surrounding his death, but one explained he was killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. Another version for the celebration was to bring a Christian meaning to a Roman pagan fertility festival celebrated at the ides of February, dedicated to the Roman god of agriculture. Yet regardless of the origin, February is celebrated as the month of Love, and I think for Christians this is the perfect opportunity to remind one another what exactly sets Christianity apart from any other religion.

The very foundation of Christianity is LOVE, and here’s the proof. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16 NIV. Jesus performed everything necessary for us to be a Christian. Just before giving up His spirit, Jesus stated upon the cross “it is finished” (John 19:30). In this unselfish act of love, provided by God’s Grace and Love, we find the foundation of Christianity and all that is necessary for us to call ourselves Christian. And being a Christian is all about having a loving, real relationship with Jesus Christ, and when we do we have a change of heart. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” 1 John 4:7. It is by faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior, not by anything we do, we are saved Children of God and will have eternal life. This means we are under God’s authority. Jesus commanded us, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” John 13:34. Jesus didn’t suggest this, He didn’t say it was a good idea; it’s not even up for discussion, He commands us. It’s all about love.

Yes, I know, it can be hard living as a Christian in a world that has become tolerant of behavior contradicting basic Christian principles, and still love those who choose to ignore and defy God’s truths. The struggle lies in the fact as Christians, while we know others practice or belief is a sin, we should never condone prejudice or discrimination against anyone. We do not have to accept what others do or believe, but we can pray through the love of God and power of the Holy Spirit God will change their hearts one day. We can love as God commands without bias and still be true to our moral and ethical Christian beliefs.

If you take anything away from this month's blog, please remember this, Jesus humbled Himself, surrendered His rights, and obeyed God even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8). Being His servant begins with the same unselfish, loving attitude. It requires helping others when it’s not convenient, doing tasks that are not glamorous, and obeying the Lord even if it’s costly. It is God’s plan we make it obvious by our actions to those who are able to see, that God is all around us. Our works and accomplishments will serve as testimony God is at work within us by letting His light shine through us and show God’s love. We don’t do this alone, but with the help of the Holy Spirit within us allowing Jesus’ love to flow unhindered through us to one another. We aren’t on earth to build our own kingdom, but to faithfully serve God as He builds His.

Heidi and I pray you will be able to show others the same unbiased, unconditional love Christ shows all of His children, and enjoy the peace we are granted because of it. May you also enjoy a very blessed and Happy Valentines Day, and let it be a reminder to simply LOVE one another.

Blessings from a pastor and his wife

And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him. (1 John 4:16)

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