1 John 4:11-12
11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
We’ve had a couple of beautiful days at the beginning of this week. New Jersey state has started carefully reopening our parks, provided people are careful to keep their distance when going out.
I went with my husband and two daughters out to the park this past Monday. There is a beautiful walking trail in New Egypt where we went for a walk, and my youngest rode her bike.
There were others out too, and the trail we were walking on was too skinny to maintain a safe distance between us and people heading our way on the trail. I said to my daughter with me, “we’re going to step off the trail to let these folks pass safely.” My daughter moaned a little “Mom, why? There might be ticks…”
I said “This is the new way we are going to show love to other people. Stepping into the grass these days says a lot to other people.”
We did this every time. We smiled at everyone passing that strange new smile “isn’t this strange, we hope you’re well” kind of smile.
As the weeks continue to go by, and life continues to become more and more strange – remember that God’s love for us is our one consistent thing. As smiling and taking several giant steps back away from someone has replaced the hand shakes and embraces (for now) –
Let the love of God shine in your life. As we make precious phone calls to others, let the love of God shine. As we meet on Zoom, or text or email each other – let the love of our God shine.
Let’s not loose heart. Do not get discouraged. We will emerge from our homes again. I believe we will come out of this stronger in our faith and as a community of believers in Jesus Christ because we have grown so reliant on Him.
I am so grateful for all of you. I continue to pray for each of you daily. Be filled with God’s Holy Spirit – as we look to be lead by Him and continue to love each other in new ways. Until we meet again.
Amen!
~ Pastor Denise
