Love God Love Others
In 1 John 4:19 we read “We love because he first loved us. Those who say ‘I love God,’ and hate their brother or sister, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.”
Very strong words. John asks us to exam our actions to see if we fulfill Gods call to love God and brothers and sisters.
I do not like to be called a liar. However, on closes examination I find myself not being truthful on occasion. I have to be careful not to gossip or spread false accusation abut someone. I need to continue to ask for forgiveness and watch my actions to love God and neighbor.
There is a game show called “To Tell The Truth.” It is interesting that out of the three contestants only one is pledged to tell the truth. Yes, it is a game show and the folks who lie do so to fool the panel. Nevertheless, I have seen this played out in the church repeatedly. Folks gossip about other members to make themselves look better. Some even at Pilgrim out right lie. One example is someone saying that our first candidate for settled pastor did not like children which was in direct conflict with his relation to the children he met during his visit to Joyful Noise.
We all need to take to heart Johns message to us. Let us all work at being truthful in our affirmation of loving God and brother and sister. Amen.
Pastor Ken