Category: Bulletin

Your Mission Matters

On By Jovan PayesIn Articles, Bulletin, Christian Leadership, Discipleship, evangelism

It is not unusual for businesses and enterprises to have “mission statements” to outline their objectives, goals, philosophy, and proposed impact their products or services are intended to have.

When you think about it, the “statement” is a great way to bring focus to an image about an outcome, or the goal of an organization. It is also a way for there to be creative control over how we would like people to envision us, our message, and our ethics and values as we seek our mission. In short, our mission statement holds us accountable for what we seek to accomplish and it includes the culture we seek to generate in the process of reaching this mission.

What’s Your Mission?

Do you have a mission statement? Are you involved in something where you have “bought-in” to its image, message, and mentality? If you are employed then to a degree you share something of the company’s “mission” whether it be in baby care, athletic activewear, intellectual property law, or even that entrepreneurial zest.

Being on Mission at Work

When I worked at NikeTown, San Francisco in the Union Square of San Francisco, CA, as a sales floor associate, I was all in. Everything was Nike. Socks, shoes, T-shirts, jackets, watches, even my gifts were Nike. I was all in on the apparel, the knowledge of our products, and its work culture. What was my mission? To find out what our customer’s athletic needs were and match them with the proper activewear so they can achieve their goals. So when I had track and field athletes, we went over to running wear, and when I worked with the head coach of a major league soccer club we went over soccer wear. I was all in on our mission and committed to it. I loved my time there.

Then there were those jobs I had no investment in its mission. It was just a job, just a paycheck, and I did as little as possible. I came in late. I

It is not even about personal aspirations.

So the question posed here again is: Do you have a “mission statement”? Yes, this is a spiritual double entendre – I have another meaning in mind.

A Line of Thought on the Mission

First, let us begin with a few ideas. Everything around us that we see on Earth and in the universe is the result of a Creator. It is unfortunate that some do not acknowledge this truth but suppress it (Rom 1:18).

To this point, the apostle Paul writes:

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:19–20 ESV)

The world is evidence within itself that there is a creator of limitless power and intelligence, and he is to be acknowledged by us – the product of his creation (Psa 8:3–8) – in the way we live.

The quote ends with the strong indictment that if we do not acknowledge His existence we are “without excuse” (Rom 1:20). The word has a litigious background, and essentially means that in the cosmic courtroom such are “without defense” (Gk. anapologetos).

No words, no smooth arguments, no loopholes, nothing will be grounds for a mistrial; there is simply no excusable rationale for rejecting the existence of a Creator as revealed in nature which bears the marks of intelligent design and infinite power.

Moreover, such a Creator by virtue of His very nature has the right to demand faithful service from His creative progeny – humanity (Gen 1:26–30, Rom 1:18, 21–23; 9:19–21). If we mortal parents may expect by virtue of our position to hold authority over our children, how can we expect the Father of all to hold any less authority?

Second, every expectation to obey God’s will (= Law/commandment) is a reflection of His holiness and the expectation that humanity will take upon themselves the freedom to make a choice to obey or to disobey.

This freedom of choice is reflected very clearly in the historical narrative of Adam and Eve as they are given everything in the Garden of Eden save the right to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The stated consequence should such an infraction occur, the Lord said, is “death.”

It is not told to us how long or short the first family lived in compliance with this expectation of behavior in the garden; however, it is revealed to us that unfortunately Eve gave in to temptation as did Adam. As the initial consequence, the first couple was expelled from the Garden and lost access to the Tree of Life (Gen. 3).

Sin it is said by John, the apostle, is the rejection of God’s law (1 John 3:4). In fact, it is an expression of a lack of love and a lack of fidelity to God (1 John 5:2). Hence, what we have been given in this freedom of choice is an ability to decide our relationship with God – will we show love and fidelity, or will we show a lack thereof?

Freedom of choice is a powerful instrument of human behavior. With it, we fall from grace and the stature of one made in the image of God (Rom 3:9–18, 23), and by it we return to God and submit our powers of decision into the hands of a forgiving and holy God (Rom 2:4; 3:26).

At every instance, then, we have a choice. Will we make those choices that inherently become less as we expend more earthly time on His service or our own selfish ambitions? Surely, our plans can only be enhanced by submitting to the Mind of God (Prov 16:25; Isa 55:8–9).

Third, while we may enjoy the blessing of freedom of choice it is a privilege that swings two ways. Much like the tongue, by our choices, we may praise God or reject him (Jas 3:45). As a consequence of our decisions, sin is a common problem to all accountable individuals (Ezek 18:20). And yet, in Jesus we are given the saving message of rebirth (John 3:4), of salvation (1 Thess 1:10), and a new creation (2 Cor 5:17).

If in our sinful choices, we have lost our identity as the image of God, then surely our choices which reflect our recreation in Christ amount to a new plan of action in our lives. Paul, the apostle, writes that when we are saved we are remade to walk in certain works He has assigned us to accomplish (Eph 2:10).

Back to Our Question

What’s your mission statement? While we have freedom of choice, when a person chooses to become a Christian that person has committed to live as God directs, as Christ reflects, so that our living connects His mission with our mission in this world.

The Lord’s mission was to reconcile the world back to Himself:

[I]n Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 8:19–20 ESV)

Notice how Paul acknowledges that his mission is the same as God’s mission: to appeal to others through the message of the Gospel to announce how God is reconciling the world to himself.

Christians are those recreated in Christ, and our “mission” is to help other people see God’s abundant love found in the Gospel. Our mission matters because our mission is supposed to be His mission. So how does your “mission” add up?

The Weight of Sin (Hebrews 12:1–2)

On By Jovan PayesIn 1 Corinthians, Articles, Bible Study, Bulletin, Discipleship, Galatians, General Letters, Hebrews, New Testament, Proverbs, Proverbs 1-9, Romans, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom Literature

In the book of Hebrews, the author spends considerable space on perseverance through faith; it may be said that this is the essential point emphasized throughout Hebrews 11:1–12:2. In the last two verses of this section (12:1–2) the central key to perseverance through faith is stated:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (ESV)

There are two major points made here; consider the following.

First, we must recognize that faithfulness as demonstrated in the cases found in Hebrews 11 affirms that “to be faithful is to hold on despite pain [sic].”[1] The pain may come in different forms and may either be the decision to reject sin or the constant struggle of unbelief.

Second, in order to imitate the faithfulness of the biblical heroes painted in Hebrews 11, and to complete the redemptive story of God (Heb 11:39–40), we are also called to remove the obstacles of sin with which we struggle in order to persevere faithfully.

The Weight and Grip of Sin

The call to faithfulness is illustrated through a well-known image from the Greco-Roman world – runners in the races. It would be a foolish athlete who competes in a race and impedes his performance by adding weight (12:1); in fact, it is common sense to remove as much weight as possible in order to improve one’s speed. The point is clear: weights hinder performance.

The “weight” which hinders the runner’s performance is equated by the phrase “sin which clings so closely.” Sin is a common human problem (Rom 3:23) and occurs when we behave contrary to God’s guidance (1 John 3:4).

The Hebrews author describes this sin as that which “clings so closely” (Grk. euperistatos). As a Greek term, the word used is quite rare and only found once in the entire New Testament. It appears, however, to have a wide range of suggested meanings, but essentially here reflects the idea of a dangerous “distress” or “calamity.” In the ancient Jewish Greek work, 2 Maccabees, this word is used to describe how “heavy disaster overtook” the Jews as they accepted an alliance with the Romans (2 Macc 4:16).[2]

There is also an element of skillfulness involved in sin suggested by this term, to exert a tight grip of control upon us.[3] God wants us to know that if we allow sin to dwell in our lives, it has the skill to take “advantage” to prevail against our better judgments.[4]

For this reason, we must not be passive with sin in our “race” of faithfulness, but with focused determination (taking the figure of the runner) we must act decisively to “thrust from ourselves” (“lay aside” ESV) the “weight” and the “sin” which will have a disastrous grip upon our spiritual lives.[5]

When Sin Grabs You

With the foregoing in the mind, it is clear that we must be on our guard against sin. It appears to be that many Christians flirt with sin and roam the borderlands of acceptable godly behavior with reckless abandon, believing that “all is under control.” Yet, like a fly snared by a Venus Fly Trap, once its trigger is initiated the tight and skillful grip will not release until the fly is dead.

Solomon sets forth a profound “cautionary tale” about those naïve and immature souls thinking they can live within the clutches of sinful living (Pro 7:1–27). Such will leave home free of constraints of the commandments, teaching, and insights of godly wisdom and wander the streets until they come to the threshold of sinful behavior. They will stand at the very edge thinking it’s possible to be so close to sin until the folly of sin “seizes” them (7:13) and seductively leads them to spiritual death (7:21–23). Foolishly tempting folly is viewed as ungodly, something the emerging wise person should refrain from.

Some have suggested that the “weight” and “sin” in Hebrews 12:1 ought to be viewed as two different problems, both of which hinder faithfulness to God and the ultimate completion of service to God.[5] This may be possible, though we feel that “weight” is a metaphor for sin; nevertheless, the point is taken “that there may be many things which could serve as hindrances to our running well.”[6] All of them weigh us down, so it is imperative we seek divine grace and sanctification to be Spirit enabled to run the Christian race.

The warning we ought to understand here is that instead of piling on questionable burdens, we ought to “lighten” our loads from hindrances that both hinder and distract us from full and complete service to our God and Father; which consequently affects our hope of heaven.

The fact that we come near to God through faith (Heb 11:6), and that this “nearness” rewards them that “seek” Him ought to compel us to offer a life filled with choices that seek His will over that of our own. Below we consider a couple areas where hindrances appear quite often.

Emotional Fixations

Additionally, we are prone to make emotional connections; this is part of our human experience and in fact, is a God-given attribute that reinforces healthy relationships. However, at times we can ill-invest our emotions into dangerous territory.

Some invest their emotional connections in unhealthy relationships. Affairs begin when one’s emotions are invested in another who is not their spouse. Young ones join gangs when they invest their loyalty into a group of friends, which they adopt as a surrogate family structure. Christians become emotionally compromised when they invest their romantic emotions into potential mates which could care less about their faith and godly morals.

It is not simply a matter of human weakness, after all, “all have sinned,” so goes the argument. There is, however, a real difference between succumbing to temptation and placing one’s self into the lion’s mouth of temptation because we are fixated on someone or some vice. It is a trite spirituality for one to appeal to grace while indulging in every sin. Paul clearly said, “may it never be” that Christians abuse God’s grace in this fashion (Rom 6:1–2).

Due to fear of rejection by friends or family, some people give in to pressure and trade their birthright for worldliness. We would be wise to guard our hearts and emotions (Pro 4:23):

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. (ESV)

Planning for It

Finally, planning for sin is perhaps the most obvious area where hindrances appear in the life of the Christian. Temptations appear to everyone, but God promises that with every instance there is a “trap door” to escape the call of sin (1 Cor 10:12–13). 

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:12–13)

“That you may be able to endure it” is an implied promise of spiritual strength if you will give in to the Spirit’s lead. Nonetheless, we are allowed to make our own decisions (Jas 1:13–15). God cannot force us to live godly. We will in fact reap what we sow:

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:7–8)

One may be tempted to compromise sexually with a boyfriend or girlfriend, but that can only occur if a provision is made to fulfill the lust of the flesh (Rom 13:14). One may be tempted by the desire to want things that they obtain what they want through immoral methods of gain; when instead, we are to “work quietly” and “earn” our “own living” (2 Thess 3:12). Another may structure their lives so they can indulge in pornography, drugs, or drunkenness.

Sometimes we are so consumed with the notion that we have the capacity to do something that we do not stop to think about whether or not we should. “I’m 21 today, I’m going to a bar”; only that the consequence of a “night out” is a drunk mess barely able to wake up in the morning. Hangovers are not proof of adulting, they are consequences of a lack of wisdom. A practice surely condemned in Scripture (1 Pet 4:3). Unfortunately, we can multiply these “entitlement” habits, which are ultimately antiauthoritarian expressions that dishonor parents and ultimately God.

Concluding Thoughts

For those who have truly absorbed the beauty of the loving Gospel of Jesus Christ, and know that the ultimate dwelling placed is prepared for those who are faithful to God, no hindrance ought to be too difficult to cast aside so that we can have all the endurance we need to run the race of faith. So that we too can say with Paul: 

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Tim 4:7–8).

Cast off your sins! Trust God’s grace! Lean on the Spirit’s sanctificaiton! I’m praying and rooting for you.

Endnotes

  1. James Thompson, 2003, “Enduring Through Pain (Hebrews 12.1-17),” BibleCourses.com (Accessed: 20 Aug. 2011), 2.
  2. James H. Moulton, and George Milligan, The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1914–1929), 264.
  3. Johannes P. Louw and Eugene A. Nida, editors, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains, 2d edition (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 1.471-42; Joseph H. Thayer, 1889, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (1889; repr., Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1962), 261.
  4. William E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White, Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: Nelson, 1984), 2.63.
  5. H. G. Liddell, An Intermediate Greek-English Lexicon (New York: American Book Co., 1888), 109.
  6. Bob Deffinbaugh, “Losing Weight (Hebrews 12.1-3),” Bible.org (1995–2011; Accessed: 20 Aug. 2011).
  7. Deffinbaugh, “Losing Weight (Hebrews 12.1-3).”

Tips for the Wise: Reading Proverbs

On By Jovan PayesIn Articles, Bulletin, Old Testament, Popular Essays, Proverbs, Wisdom Literature

Communication requires a certain sensibility to understand what is being said, written, or acted. A McDonalds menu communicates certain that “edible” products are available for a certain price, but the sentiment is very different from a romantic poetic Valentine’s Day card. A bank statement certainly tells a story, but does it use the same language and method as horror movie? For some it just might! These communicate to their readers but they do so with quite different expectations in mind. In fact, communication depends on certain expectations set by its author and the setting (context) it is offered.

The Bible presents a unique challenge because it is a library of several genres of communication written to people in a variety of context. Modern readers of the Bible should be aware that they are reading an ancient book with ancient models of communication. It becomes an imperative for the modern reader to respect the various genres of Scripture as intended by God and his chosen prophets.

A type of literature that is both popular but also easily misread is Hebrew wisdom. This type of literature is should not be taken as hard promises from God. I would like to explain why and offer a few suggestions to help God’s people read this section of scripture better.

The Importance of Genre

It is important to recognize that Old Testament books must be analyzed with respect. Conscientious Bible students recognize this. Respect must be rendered to the text not only due to the nature of the document as being the very breath of God’s mouth (2 Tim 3:16), but also because each document is a literary work composed in a unique style – a unique genre.

For example, one should not consider the creation week in Genesis 1 as a fictional-poetic treatise because the book of Genesis is a historical document, designed to instruct humanity concerning the origin of man, the fall of humanity, and the promise of the seed which would come to bless all the nations of the earth – Jesus Christ (Gen 22:18; Gal 3:9). Genesis is an inspired historical narrative and must be analyzed with this in mind.[1]

It is unfortunate that inspired historical documents are often treated by some as poetry or as a fictional novella, at the mercy of any revisionist who disagrees with its message or storyline.

Wisdom in Proverbs

Another unfortunate error, which is often overlooked, is that which transforms wisdom literature into absolute historical fact void of any sense of generality. The value of the proverbs is precisely because they are generalities which provide thoughtful guidance for those seeking to life a wise and spiritual life. Walter Russell calls attention to this aspect of wisdom literature:

It is concise, memorable, simple, and profound; it observes life and reflects the voice of experience; it is thoughtful about human experience and designed to give us practical living skills for confusing circumstances. It also challenges us not to falsely spiritualize everything in life.[2]

Walter Russell, Playing with Fire (NavPress, 2000)

A classic example of the generalness of wisdom literature is found in proverbs like the following:

When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Pro 16:7 ESV)

How should such passages be understood: as an absolute formula or as general principles? Did Jesus experience this as an absolute promise? Hardly! What should the Bible reader do, then, with passages like this? Read them based on the merits of the expectations for its genre.

Here are a few suggestions.

First, it is the nature of a proverb to provide general wisdom principles:

The nature of the proverbs is such that they should not be interpreted as prophecy or as promises about certain effects and results. Rather, they are best viewed as theological and pragmatic principles.[3]

Samuel J. Schultz, The Old Testament Speaks, 5th ed. (HarperCollins, 2000)

For as much as we would want them to be absolute promises we must be cautious. Proverbial passages are not to be pressed beyond their intent, which is: to be general truths to guide the godly in the path of righteousness (Pro 1:1–9).

Second, the generalness of proverbs should discourage their use as an infallible rule.

For example, it is certainly true that the guidance of Proverbs 16:7 has run true to many who have lived a godly life. But it is also true that living consistent with the will of God will bring heartache and sorrow due to persecution (Matt 5:1–12, 2 Tim 3:12–13). A person’s enemies may become one-hundred-fold almost immediately when following God.

Recall the Lord Jesus’ ways which pleased the Father (John 8:29). Might one suppose that his enemies should come to a state of peace with him? If one took this proverb as an absolute formula, then yes. However, not all saw Jesus as a teacher come from God (John 3:1–2) and his enemies multiplied and waited to catch him in their theological traps (Luke 11:53–54). Proverb 16:7 is general in scope, emphasizing a positive aspect of godly living, never intending to exclude negative factors.

Finally, perhaps the most problematic factor in dealing with general principles is the failure of some to take into account that no one verse carries embedded within it the totality of a biblical subject.

While the sum of God’s word is truth (Psa 119:160), the Proverbs are maxims. In Proverbs 22:6 it is written: 

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (ESV)

The passage is designed to emphasize that children are impacted by their parents long after they leave home. The impact of domestic education is life lasting. Yet one should not take this passage as an absolute formula, for this would dismiss one of the most vital elements of the nature of man: free moral agency. The impact is life lasting, but the choices are left to the child.

It is unfortunate to see some depart from the faith after being “raised in the church.” It should not be assumed that it is the direct result of the parents being derelict in their parental duties. Life and decision-making are complicated matters.

Concluding Thoughts

Biblical literature is composed of a wide range of genres. These genres of literature ought to be treated with the respect they rightly deserve, otherwise poor exegesis will follow. In principle we run the danger of binding were God has not bound. 

We must be conscientious Bible students using Scripture correctly. May we never apply general principles as absolute infallible rules.

Endnotes

  1. There is a debate over how to read Genesis 1, but I find no reason to reject the twenty-four hour view even when presented in a stylistic way. See David G. Hagopian, ed., The Genesis Debate: Three Views on the Days of Creation (Mission Viejo, CA: Crux Press, 2001), Stanley N. Gundry, ed., Four Views on Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2017), and John F. Ashton, ed., In Six Days: Why Fifty Scientists Choose to Believe in Creation (2000; Repr., Green Forest, AR: Master Books, 2001).
  2. Walter B. Russell, Playing with Fire: How the Bible Ignites Change in Your Soul (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2000), 161.
  3. Samuel J. Schultz, The Old Testament Speaks, 5th ed. (New York: HarperCollins, 2000), 290.

Cadbury Eggs and Frozen Bunnies

On By Jovan PayesIn Articles, Bulletin, Devotional, Discipleship, Easter, Seasonal

In the Hebrew Bible, the verb zākar (“to remember,” “to memorialize,” “to recite”) appears 222 times in 213 verses, used at least once in every book. It finds its most use in the Psalms, appearing 52 times, then Isaiah (24), Ezekiel (21), followed by Jeremiah (16), and Deuteronomy (15). By contrast, the noun zēker (remembrance, memorial) appears 23 times. It appears memory is an important part of a life that reflects on faith and one’s dependence on God.

In the New Testament, several Greek words are translated with “memory” (mnēmē) or a “remembrance” (anamnēsis), “to remember” or “to remind” (mimnéskō). Each of these words has its shade of meaning, but all speak to things that are brought to the foreground of our thoughts after some time has elapsed. Again, in the New Testament, we see that memory serves a significant function.

If you would like to trace these words down throughout Scripture, I recommend an accessible study guide such as Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words or Stephen D. Renn’s Expository Dictionary of Bible Words. It will profit your soul to see the range our “memory” is taken by the faithful.

Another profitable way to appreciate the brain is a study of that part of the brain called the hippocampus. It is said to be the place associated with both memory and emotion and the intricate interweaving of both. For example, you go to an event and meet new people. Who would you remember, usually the ones you found interesting or funny (“Memory, Learning, and Emotion: the Hippocampus,” psycheducation.org). I find it particularly ingenious that the place that stores our memories is also the place that attaches emotions to our memories. It is only my opinion, but I believe that makes the hippocampus one of the most important places in the brain.

I want to open my hippocampus and share two stories with you that mean a lot to me. I hope they encourage you. God bless.

Story 1: The Cadbury Creme Eggs of Reconciliation

I grew up with that silly commercial of the white chubby bunny rabbit clucking like a chicken, which then moves aside to reveal the “very unusual” basket with Cadbury Creme Eggs. It is a silly commercial full of nostalgia and a silly candy that is clearly a sugar coma waiting to happen. 

Many years ago, my friend Andy changed the way I see this white and yellow creme-filled chocolate egg. Sometimes friendships have moments that test the ties which bind them together, and as I recall, we had one of those times. Then it happened; Andy gave me a Cadbury Creme Egg. 

At first, it was just a curious gift. Then I learned that for him it was a symbol of reconciliation. It was a gesture of peace; a demonstration of the renewal of our friendship. I was overwhelmed by that gesture. Even today, it still touches me. That’s right, a Cadbury Creme Egg reminds me of compassion, love, and reconciliation.

So the next time you are having a significant break of friendship, love, or something that belongs to both emotions, let me encourage you to find a gesture to share that will truly speak to them about love, renewal, friendship, and the promise that “with compassion and love, dignity and respect, forgiveness and closure… let’s move forward renewed together.”

Story 2: The Warmest “Frozen” Chocolate Bunny

There is a right way to eat a chocolate bunny. I know this. I have a method. I start by breaking off the ears and then breaking off the tail. Lastly, I work my way through its chocolate torso. There is nothing OCD about it (so I tell myself).

Mom always used to send me a chocolate bunny for Easter, even when I was away at college in Henderson, Tennessee. A few thousand miles was not going to deter her from sending a chocolate gesture of her warmest affection.

This one year, I received a rather large postal package that contained some notes of love and Easter treats; this included a “chocolate bunny.” I unsheathed the bunny from its box and went to break off its ears, but this time it was an impossible task. For you see, my friends, the bunny was plastic.

Over the course of a phone call, I thanked her for the plastic bunny. She responded, “what plastic bunny !? I didn’t send you a plastic bunny! I bought you a chocolate bunny and even placed it in the freezer to prepare it for shipping.” Every time the freezer was opened for any length of time, she yelled, “close that door!”

It became a running gag between us. All her intention (the freezer, the wrapping, the shipping, etc.) to make sure her “baby” knew mom loved him hilariously colored by the frozen plastic bunny. I still possess this gesture of maternal love. Its capacity to bring a smile and a chuckle is a reminder of her love.

The Power of the Divine Gesture of Love

Sometimes we take simple gestures of kindness for granted. A cup of coffee, a stick of gum, a handshake or a pat on the back, a prayer, a text, a hug; even an invite to eat. They go a long way.

What then may we say about God’s great act of love? One of the most famous notions of God’s love is found in the Gospel of John. In the pen of the narrator, we read:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. ( John 3:16–18 ESV)

The Apostle John reminds us of three profound ones found in the words of Jesus: (1) “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you,” (2) “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends,” and (3) “You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:12–14).

Let us remember these three lasting demonstrations of love. First, there are gestures of love we extend toward each other. Second, Jesus’ death shows His devotion to his “friends,” which His disciples are to follow. Lastly, there is the obedience we offer to Jesus as a gesture of love. What gestures of love and reconciliation are you handing out to others in your service to God? The opportunity to improve your service is closer than you think.