This is our frontyard. Christmas lights still hugging the bushes in March. It still snowed a couple of weeks ago when I took this picture, thus the snow covering the ground. But what's up with the yard sign:
Love everyone, always.?
We were on a series at Willowcreek Community Church on "Love Everyone Always" and it had such a great impact on people's lives, the phrase resonated so loud, it was unstoppable! The leaders of the church decided to give out yard signs to the congregation to spread the message of love.
Personally, the phrase is like a light permeating my spirit and soul each and every day, guiding me to look at each person God sends my way through the lens of love. There are times I struggle and wrestle with my own flesh as my own conscious and unconscious biases arise. When feelings and emotions fight against the heart of love, it seems easier to succumb. But I thank God that through the help of the Holy Spirit, His love always overcomes. As long as we go back and intentionally stay in the place of His unconditional love, He empowers us to truly and genuinely love everyone always. We can't do it on our own. It is the Holy Spirit who lives inside those who received the wonderful grace of God's love through the Lord Jesus Christ that enables us to give the same powerful love. It is like a raging river, rushing,yet refreshing and reviving, lifting up both the giver and receiver!
For such a time as this, the message of God's love is the answer. With all the things that are happening in the world, all we need is love (reminds me of Beatles' song). In conflict, love reconciles. In sickness, love heals. In sorrow, love comforts. In anger, love calms. In bitterness, love sweetens. In jealousy, love rejoices with. In betrayal, love forgives. In rejection, love welcomes. In depression, love uplifts. In desperation, love inspires. In divisions, love unites. In darkness, love lights. In love is life. That is the heart of God.
"For God so loved the world
that He gave His one and only Son,
that whosover believes in Him should not perish
but have everlasting life."
John 3:16
This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.
Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
Love everyone always!
