but we have love
I don’t have all the answers, but I have love.
In a recent blog, Ron Simkins shared how having questions that we bring TO God can strengthen our relationship WITH God. Then, in this week’s teaching, Pastor Renée Antrosio shared how doubt can serve as a doorway to God’s love. My response to these points? I admit that at one time I thought the goal was to acquire the right answers; now, my goal is to acquire love–for me, and for me to share with others.
For “if I speak in tongues of human beings and of angels but I don’t have love, I’m [like] a clanging gong or a clashing cymbal.” (1Corinthians 13:1 CEB)
This past Saturday, NCF hosted an event that brought many new people into our building. As I went around welcoming people to our space, I encountered several individuals that thought that church wasn’t for them anymore. After being in our space and meeting us, they stated that they were starting to change their thoughts on the matter.
One specific interaction really stood out to me, because I felt God’s love radiating from me to this individual. At some point in our conversation, I affirmed the value they brought by just being present at the event. To which, they jumped up and gave me a big hug! Later that same person and I were talking. They had so many questions about our church services and also just kept feeling very grateful for my love and acceptance of them. Then (and I have to say I’m not usually this direct) I looked at them and said that the love they are experiencing from me is God’s love and acceptance of them. This, I think, blew them away. They were so surprised and heartwarmed by my statement. To think, God loves them. It seems like maybe they’ve never heard this before?!
Currently, I’m reading 1 Kings. During the prayer at the dedication of the temple, Solomon declares that God has “relentless love” for us. And, although not expecting it, asks the question if “God will actually move into our neighborhood?” But, settles for asking/expecting that God will listen to the prayers prayed toward that place, in that place (1Kings 8 MSG).
Fast forward to the gospel of John where Jesus is described as “the word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood” (John 1 MSG).
Jesus is the fulfillment of the longing…for God to be WITH us. Present in our lives. That we can not just believe, but see and feel the “relentless love” God has for us. Jesus models God’s love for us (John 5). And, Jesus says that in the same way God sent Jesus, Jesus sends us (John 20).
When I first came to NCF, I was a little taken aback to find out that NCF doesn’t have a list of doctrinal statements that everyone agrees on. The reality is that we all come to the songs, scriptures, and practices with our own perspectives and preferences, questions and convictions.
And yet…
We have love.
And we live out of that love.
We show up for each other and for the C-U community, with love.
From the prayers prayed for those of us sick, to the volunteering in various organizations in town (like mentoring in the area schools). From showing up for poetry readings, art shows, and backyard music events, to giving of our time to be present and helpful at a NCF event or service.
We show up with God’s love for one another. For our community.
“Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples–when they see the love you have for each other” –Jesus (John 13: 34-35 CEB).
Sometimes, it may feel like we don’t have a lot to offer.
But we have love.
Today, may you experience God’s relentless love for you and may you be able to share that truth, through your words and actions, to someone who needs to know this truth. –Melissa Logsdon, NCF Associate Pastor