Love - No Exceptions

The Spirit of the Season

Many are still wrapped up in the holiday season. The feeling and joy that exist at this time of year is a communal spirit that we wish would last always. Grumpy old men are smiling; strangers are speaking, and the look in the eyes of the young children lightens even the darkest heart. The Christmas season is a very special time, and this one was no different. Sometimes, we do well to sit still and reflect upon what makes this season so charming and special that we turn ourselves inside out trying to get ready for it. Well, I would like to offer a thought that is biblically based on the writings of John the Evangelist.

John’s Testimony

No writer who walked with Jesus wrote more or tried to provide us with both historical knowledge and the purpose of Jesus, than John. This is the one who told us that in the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the Word was God. And the Word put on flesh and dwelled among us. In those words, Jesus is identified as the Emmanuel, God with us; the same God who created everything. Later, in the most quoted text of the New Testament, John tells us why Jesus came. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life (John 3:16). the gosepl says that through him (Jesus) we may be saved.

So, having just celebrated the birth of our Lord and Savior, let us be reminded why over 2000 years ago, God, through the work of the Holy Spirit, sent his Son into this world. Love is the reason God sent us Jesus. God’s love for all of us is so strong that he put on flesh, dwelled among everyday people modeling what true godliness and holiness looks like. Love caused Jesus to come into this world and love brought joy, peace, and hope to a world lost in sin. It is why Christ was born to the Virgin Mary. Love is why he would suffer at the brutal hands of Pilate. Love is why he would die for our sins and love is why he was resurrected for our salvation. All because God so loved the world.

The Call to Love

The ancient Shema Prayer found in Deuteronomy 6:4-6, reminds us that God our Father is one. In the same way, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one, and we are called to be one with them. Jesus pours out his teaching and in particular his messages of love in John chapters 13 and 15 reminding us of the great commandment, to love thy Lord thy God with all our heart, our mind, and soul, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. But Jesus takes a greater step when he tells us to love each other as God has love us.

Think about that for a second. Love one another as God has loved you. The God who loves you so much that he gave his son, Jesus, is saying that we need to love on another as much as he loves us. Some say, “love like Jesus.”

Love Without Boundaries

This kind of love knows no boundaries. It does not judge for only Jesus judges. It is compassionate, just as Jesus was kind, loving, and caring to the blind, the crippled, the homeless, those out of their right minds, foreigners, and people unlike him. Jesus taught us that love is universal. It is the glue that can heal and hold families together. Love can make neighbors out of a community. Love can make family out of total strangers. Love is powerful, not political. Love has no limits and is has no exceptions.

Moving Forward

We are called to love our enemies and bless those who curse us. As we move into the new year, the Christian season of Epiphany will be upon us. It is a period of awakening, new knowledge, and new life. My first sermon series will focus on the true meaning of Christmas, Love. The spirit of God is speaking to me and saying for me to remind the people that it is all about love, no exceptions.

So, just as Jesus brings new life and new hope to all. Let us love all, no exceptions.