February 10th, 2010 The February Love Experiment
As February begins, the church season marches on. This month we will celebrate The Transfiguration, Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of Lent. (Don’t forget to join us for soup, sandwich, and worship on Wednesday nights in Lent. A big “THANK YOU,” in advance, to the Men’s Group for making sure we are fed.
I also associate February with colder weather and Valentine’s Day. When I think of Valentine’s Day, my thoughts turn to those of love. Usually the sappy Hallmark card kind of love, but I also always think of the love verses from Paul’s letter to the congregation in Corinth.
Love is patient, Love is kind…And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. – 1 Cor. 13
Many of us associate this verse with weddings because that’s where we hear it most often. If we leave it there, we have missed the point. Paul is offering a “still more excellent way” of life. Not one that looks out for the self, but one that is always thinking of the other.
This is a lesson we try to teach our children; their actions not only affect themselves, but their actions affect the lives of others. Our choices, made in love, have a positive impact for the gospel on the lives of others.
In one of his books, author Max Lucado suggests this little experiment.
- Open your Bible to 1st Corinthians 13.
- Read it.
- Then re-read it, but as when you re-read it, during verses 4-7, substitute your name for the word “love” or the pronoun “it.”
Ex: John is patient, John is kind.
How do you measure up? Knowing that God has called us to a life of love, to be children of God, Kids of the Kingdom, I invite you to try The Love Experiment with me.
The Love Experiment:
Each day of February, exactly four weeks, read 1st Corinthian 13, the whole chapter, insert your name in verses 4-7, and live your way into the loving life to which God has called you.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Ed Myers
