Scripture says, "Dear friends let us love one another, for love comes from God.” (1 John 4:7) One thing I always hear about this church is that it is so friendly and welcoming. This attribute comes so naturally. Kindness and hospitality are gifts not commonly found in our world and are sadly missing in some of our churches. Love is abundantly shown through smiles, handshakes, hugs, and greetings. Your love is seen in how you listen and care for others. People feel known and valued through your love. Visitors to this church frequently say, “I have never been to a church that was so welcoming and friendly.”

     “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” (1 John 4:9) God’s expression of love has been witnessed through the sacrificial gift of his Son. Jesus willing obeyed God by giving his life so that others might live. As agents of love, we have the opportunity to lay down our lives and share our resource with others. Our greatest resource is our love. Since our love is from God, it never fails, it never gives up, and it never runs out. “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:11) It is not enough to just accept God’s love and keep it for ourselves. The love of God is incomplete until we share it and give it to others. “If we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” (1 John 4:12)

     Church, let us continue to use our gifts to love God, love others, and serve the world – starting in our community. Church let us be good listeners, good sharers of our tables, good givers of our resources, and good examples of God’s love. I love this church and I am blessed to be a part of you.

- Bryan