I have said the words “I love you” now, more than ever before and it’s not because of a romantic relationship. It’s actually my church family that has brought on this outward expression of love. If you have attended our Sunday morning service, then you will know that we have a portion called “Pass the Peace,” (If you’ve never visited, you should come and see for yourself). During this time, our musicians play a song, and we greet our visitors and each other. Sounds simple, right? But it is so much more than that. The first few times we did this, the introvert in me didn’t know what to participate. I may have hugged two or three people on my row and then took my seat. However, a few Sundays later, I found myself smiling the moment the drummer started the beat. I anticipated leaving my seat to greet my ENTIRE row and maybe even the next row or across the aisle too. This is exactly what God’s love can do. See, during this part of our service, you can feel the warm flutter of love fill the atmosphere when you look around and everyone is smiling, singing, and eager to interact with one another. What a wonderful example of being vulnerable and open.
Being vulnerable is sometimes hard to do because of our life experiences, past hurts or pain. Despite your past, Jesus says, “This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12 KJV. We are living in a tumultuous time where racism and hatred in our country is designed to divide us. But the love God has given us will unite us TOGETHER in Him. As Believers, we have to reprogram ourselves. When we open our hearts, we can cultivate a deeper, more authentic relationship with others, including our relationship with Jesus. The moment I decided to be more open and available, my relationship with Jesus and others “leveled up.” 1 John 4:7-10 says, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us. He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him”
Maybe openness and loving others are some of the things that you are still struggling with; God can fix that if you agree to give LOVE a fair chance. You may feel uncomfortable and exposed at first, but as the song says during our Pass the Peace, “It’s soooooo easy.” Remember, we can make great strides to change our environment, our community, and our country with LOVE.
Written by:
Sister Sylvia Caldwell
