Since I started doing graphic design for our church, I get to see our series ahead of time. And I was sooo excited to hear about this one! And even more excited when I heard how we were going to move in love! In simple ways. In the everyday. By being available and attentive to the needs of people around us. In kind gestures and thoughtful actions. Paying for the person's coffee in line behind us. Carrying groceries to a mother's car. Delivering meals to the hungry. Filling someone's car with gas. The list goes on and on there's no end to the possibilities of love. There's no stopping love when it's on the move!
When our pastor announced it this Sunday, I just couldn't contain my excitement. This is what the church should look like! This is how the world should define us. On Saturday, we are all meeting at the church and then splitting off into several different areas in our community to show the love of Jesus in real, tangible, practical ways. This entire month is going to be full of love on the move.
I can't wait. And I shouldn't wait! Everyday I'm surrounded by opportunities to give love. Even if I never leave my house. My husband comes home seeking a sanctuary of peace, my children are testing my love with their attitudes and actions. My neighbors may be lonely. My friends may be hurting. And I want to be a vessel of God's love.
But can I be honest? Sometimes I don't feel like my love tanks are full enough. Sometimes I feel exhausted from the amount of love four kids and a husband need. Sometimes I'm too focused on my own struggles to see someone else struggling. Sometimes I just don't feel very loving. And that's when I realize how much I need God's love. It's HIS love not mine, that changes hearts and fills souls. Nothing I try to do in my own power will have any effect on His Kingdom. I NEED JESUS. I WANT HIS LOVE to MOVE through me.
"Christ's love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do. Our firm decision is to work from this focused center: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat." 2 Corinthians 5:14 MSGP.S. I just read the lyrics to an awesome song here right after I posted this.
11 comments:
Sooooooooooo awesome! I love it when everyone gets out there and shows love in action! Recently we've been telling out youth that it shouldn't be an event, it should be a lifestyle.
Love your design work!!
Joye, I just love to hear about what you're doing now at your church and in your community. You're right.....that's what church is, not a building, but a group of followers who go out and love. I love that!! It reminds me of Leeland's song, Love is on the Move. Have you heard that one?
so true! I love it!
Such a powerful post! Thank you for sharing. This has been coming up A LOT in my world. I am trying to absorb these truths.. saturate my being with them, so that they are the things pouring out of me and onto other people.
A very close friend of mine feels like God is telling her to do pretty much the same things as you're talking about, Joye! This is awesome!!! And as far as your love tank is concerned...I totall understand. IT WILL BE FILLED UP, GIRL! I'm so proud of you and all the things you are accomplishing for God!
have you heard Leeland's song 'love is on the move'? GREAT GREAT GREAT song ... great album ... thanks for the post!
I totally agree, the church should look and act like this all the time! Can't wait to hear what you all do to show love!!
this is so wonderful. just the motivation, reminder, kick in the pants i needed. thank you for sharing a little bit of how to LOVE like Christ, for that's what this is all about after all.
xoxo
I love this idea, and I love the fact that we each have the power of Jesus and His love living inside us: We don't have to wait for a big church function or activity to represent Christ's love to other people. Thanks for the reminder... I needed it today!
I didn't know you desinged the Love Moves logo, I love it! It has a neat retro feel to it. Thank you for reminding me that I need to let God fill my tank so I can love others.
So I just stumbled across your blog & it is just the cutest. You have such a beautiful family & your blog is so inspiring and uplifting. Just thought you should know!
New follower here :-)
http://jennymayandswede.blogspot.com/
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