“And now I will show you the most excellent way.” – I Cor. 12:31

Love is not easy.  Paul explains that the way we are intended to use our spiritual gifts and live as the Body of Christ is to do everything in love.  He calls this way of living, “The most excellent way”.  When we do great things without love, we are just making noise.  But even the simplest act, done in love, can make all the difference in the world.  Just this morning I was frustrated that we were leaving the house later than we intended and then the blue bridge was getting worked on which made us even LATER… The prayer I spoke out loud to myself was this: Give me patience and grace and the courage to face the pain that I see in this place.  It was a simple few words but I think they need to become my new mantra.  If I can continue in patience and grace to walk alongside others in their experience of pain, that is a simple act of love.  If I can remind myself that five minutes does not change the trajectory of my child’s education and give us a little grace for being late, that will make a difference in my spirit and in our relationship.

Recently, I received a short video from a fellow Presbyterian Pastor in Bellingham, Rev. Matt McCoy at Spring Church.  He reminds us of three things that Jesus taught his disciples and are helpful reminders for us today: 1.God is on God’s side.  2.Jesus calls us to walk through life with the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed.  3.Jesus commands us to love our enemies.  Please watch this short video today and know that we love you.  We are praying for you.  We are with you in the celebrations and the sorrows of these tumultuous days.

https://springchurchbellingham.com/commondiscipleshipvideos

I also encourage you to take some time this week and enjoy the amazing gift of the African Children’s Choir.  They have graciously granted us access to their virtual concert.  You will be encouraged and uplifted by their stories and the amazing work God does in and through these precious children.  Small acts, done in love mean life instead of death all over the world.  Thanks be to God!

Loving God, you are patient, you are kind.  You keep no record of wrongs.  As far as the east is from the west you have removed our sins from us.  You do not delight in evil but you rejoice in the truth.  You always protect.  You always persevere.  You never give up on us.  Help us to never give up on you.  Give us strength, grace, and courage to never give up on one another.  Amen.