"Love" Tagged Content

"Love" Tagged Content

Next Steps for Christians: Embracing the Hope and Renewal of Easter

The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate symbol of hope and renewal and is deeply significant to millions worldwide. Easter is about the monumental victory over sin and death. Upon His resurrection, Jesus proclaimed hope to humanity. This is the foundational belief Christians cling to: That through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are offered eternal life and a restored relationship with God. Easter signifies renewal, a fresh start, and an opportunity to reflect on our faith journey. It encourages us to…

More Than Roses

The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown Valentine’s Day used to sting a little, even though I was married to a good man. Allen wasn’t unkind, but he didn’t “do” holidays. I smiled when my co-worker received flowers at the office, their scent drifting across her desk. I admired my friend’s necklace and even sampled a chocolate from someone’s fancy box. But then I’d go home to a quiet house and a husband who ignored roses, candy,…

The Dream Remains Alive: Here and Now

On August 28, 1963, as he stood at the podium on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. shared his vision of hope with the nation. His “I Have a Dream” speech is more than just a piece of history; it’s a living message for America, inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ. Today, the dream still calls to us. It challenges us to do more than remember history; it asks us to live a movement…

The Art of Caring: A Christian Response to a Self-Centered Culture

Today, we live in an era of individualism, self-promotion, and angry rhetoric. Where “self-care” often becomes a substitute for self-absorption, Christians are called to a radically different way of living. The Apostle Paul puts it plainly: Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” – Philippians 2:3-4. The most Christ-like expressions of faith are not wrapped…

How to Love Like Jesus

Did you know that over 90% of people believe love is the strongest force in the universe? Yet, in our daily lives, we often struggle to show love unconditionally, especially when faced with anger, hurt, or negativity from others. Learning to love like Jesus is not just a noble goal; it’s a transformational journey that can redefine our relationships and heal our world. In this post, we’ll explore how we can carry the essence of peace and love, commit to…

Living Our Vision: Glorifying God Through Love and Faithful Service

A few years ago, I gathered our church leadership to walk through the development of a vision statement. This statement would become the focus for every future ministry decision made. We even had a sign company come in and place our vision in vinyl letters on a prominent wall. We said, “Whatever was on the wall, must be happening down the hall!” Armed with a large dry-erase board, we got started. The process centered on several questions. I would ask…

Embracing Kindness: Reflecting Christ Amidst Political Divisions

As we stand on the brink of another presidential election, the political landscape seems more fractured than ever before. The air is thick with tension, and the chasms that divide us appear to have widened into seemingly unbridgeable gulfs. Partisan rhetoric echoes through our communities, social media feeds, and even our places of worship. Yet, amid this tumultuous climate, we, as Christians, are reminded of our higher calling. Our faith beckons us to rise above the fray and embody a…

The Good Samaritan: A Lesson in Compassion

The parables of Jesus are timeless, offering wisdom even today through simple, yet profound stories. One of the most well-known and impactful parables is the story of the Good Samaritan. It transcends cultural boundaries, speaks to the core of human empathy, and is a beautiful story of the love Jesus expects from us as His Church.  You can find this parable in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10, verses 25-37. The story begins with a lawyer asking Jesus, “Teacher, what…