Love Always Wins

Posted on by Matt Parker

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:34-35
 
Welcome to a new year! A new year often means a fresh start and a time to inspect our goals and priorities as we seek to live better lives.

Unfortunately, it does not seem that 2021 got off to much of a better start than 2020. As I write this to you, I have been disgusted with what I have watched this week in the events that unfolded in our nation’s capital. It would seem to the casual observer that we are a divided country with mixed agendas and conflicting views.

We need Jesus. Our community needs Jesus. Our nation needs Jesus. Our world needs Jesus. And we in the Church have the opportunity to share Jesus with the world. Our theme for this year is One In Ministry to All the World. We first decided on this theme in the fall of 2018, and it couldn’t be a better to embrace this theme. No matter who you are or what your story is, there will always be a place for you at Royston First UMC. Why? Because God loves you…and so do we.

At the heart of all ministry (at the heart of Christianity) is the belief that love wins. That’s the message of the gospel. Jesus did not overthrow the government, he said “blessed are the peacemakers.” Jesus did not tell people they were not worthy of God, he went to the cross and died for them so they could know God. When we choose follow Jesus and share Jesus with others, we don’t just choose to share his name; we put on the clothes of righteousness and we share the likeness of Christ — the love of Christ — with all the world.

As you begin this new year, let go of any hate or resentment that you may have towards others and seek to see others through the eyes of Jesus. Through the eyes of Jesus, you will never see a person that God does not love. Together, let us embrace the new command that Christ gave to his disciples: just as God has love us, let us also love one another. For the entire world will know we disciples of Jesus Christ, if we have love for one another.

Have a great weekend, and I look forward to being with you in worship this Sunday online beginning at 8:45 AM.

Grace and peace,
Matt