“We Belong to God and We Belong to Each Other” Pastor Kara Root
sit with this quote….what does it mean to you?
The Bible says we all are created in the image of God. We are all children of God.
Do you see yourself as a beloved child of God?
Why or why not?
What things stop you from truly believing you are a beloved child of God?
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
How do view people who don’t look like you do? Or live like you? Are you curious? Or are you judgemental?
How hard is it for you to see the image of God in others?
Often we cannot view others in the love of God because we don’t truly believe we are loved by God.
WE NEED TO REMEMBER WE ARE GOD’S BELOVED! God loves us just as we are, right where we are today. Whether or not we are tired or too busy, hurt or discouraged, or angry or just can’t see straight, Jesus is loving us right where we are! And Jesus is inviting us into this love, inviting us to join him on the Road of Love in order to transform us and transform the world.
“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God;
everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.
Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.
In this way the love of God was revealed to us:
God sent his only Son into the world
so that we might have life through him.
In this is love:
not that we have loved God,
but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us,
we also must love one another.” (1 JOHN 4:7-11)
ACTION:
Wrap your self in a beach towel, a blanket, or a shawl today. Imagine Jesus wrapping you in his unending love.
Sit there for a bit and receive that love. How have you felt the love of God this week?
Consider what you need in order to experience more of the Love of Jesus. TALK TO JESUS about this.
Ask Jesus to show you who needs to know his amazing love and take time to pray for them. Then take action. How can you practically love someone this week? Write a card, make a phone call, take someone to lunch or coffee. Offer to babysit or help someone with cleaning or yard work….showing God’s love in practical ways.
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on
the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls
that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your
purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your
heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
– Prayer for the Human Family (Book of Common Prayer, p. 815
©lillylewin and freerangeworship.com