The Gift of Love

And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, - 1 Thessalonians 3:12

On Monday, a brother in Christ treated me to time at the hot springs. The Native Americans believed the waters to be medicinal, even holy. I am not certain of the health benefits of the natural springs, but it was certainly relaxing. The true gift of the day, however, was not the detoxification of the magnesium pool, it was the intentional act of love from a brother. We spent the morning reflecting on the gift of our salvation, the blessing of our families, and the overwhelming love of Christ. It was a beautiful time of fellowship in the Lord. 

In the New Testament, we find the phrase “one another” around sixty times. These commands give us a beautiful insight into the way the Lord has designed the Body of Christ, His Church. Of those commands, fifteen of them are specific in the way we care for one another, in love. The command to love one another is the primary identifier of the Church outside of her love for Jesus. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit that is granted to every follower of Christ. Love is what marks us and sets us apart from the broken world around us. It is only made possible in our fellowship with our Lord, as he is the primary definition of love. (1 John 4:8). 

The gift of a relaxing float in the hot springs was a gift to me from a brother who loves me and my family. It was a gift of love. It required the sacrifice of time and resources, but the fruit of it was a beautiful fellowship in the Lord. What are ways today you can put on display the love of Christ? Maybe a call to someone you know is struggling? Maybe share a cup of coffee and reflect on the Lord’s hand in your life? Maybe pray steadfastly before the Lord as you love someone from your knees? The Lord Jesus created His Church in love to put on display the Glory of God. Be intentional today to love another.

I love you and consider it an honor to serve as your pastor.

Blessings,

Bro. Kris