Ripping off Jim's idea- all you need is love

More DR journals tomorrow...

This morning Jim's sermon really rang true with me, in fact it was an extension of a blog I wrote a few days ago (but haven't published yet- be patient :). I wonder if God was speaking to both of us at once? Isn't it cool how He does that?

Jim's sermon was entitled "Grow up" and essentially was about growing in our faith. An emphasis was on how if we are growing, we are growing in love.

A powerful statement he made was: We don't need more commitment, we need more love.

I could not agree more. Without love, serving Jesus is a burden, something we do out of duty and maybe guilt or obligation. With love, it is a joy.

Taking on more commitment is not the answer to growing spiritually. Trust me, I've tried that. It can burn you out and leeches the peace from your life. Plugging into God is the answer. When we experience His love, only then we are equipped to share with others, to be fruitful for the kingdom.

I mean, think about it- how did God reach out to us? By pointing out our lack of fulfillment of the law? No, He did it by loving us unconditionally in both word and deed, to the greatest level possible.

So, what is our response? Dutiful, dry commitment? Of course not, it's LOVE!

Jim closed with 2 Corinthians 5:11ff. We no longer live for ourselves because of His love for us. We no longer regard others from a worldly point of view. We are a new creation because of His love!