Greetings Holy, Healthy and Happy People of God,

As I write this eNote to our faithful and devoted community of radical and responsible followers of Jesus Christ, I want to invite us in this Lenten Season to embrace the other side of love.  Like a coin, love also has two sides.  One is responsive to those who love us and the other side of love demands that we love even when others refuse to love us.  That is the faithful mark of discipleship, loving those who refuse to love you back.

Jesus is offering us the only way to change the course of evil in the world.  Luke 6:27-31, writes it in this way, “But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.  If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt.  Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again.”

Jesus is offering the only way for us to get out of the mess we are in as a society.  Whatever the mess is, the only resolution is loving our enemies.  And contrary to belief, we all have enemies and when we encounter them, simply love.  It may not make sense, but remain faithful and convicted to both sides of love, especially when evil emerges.

Jesus is reminding us that when we love it is natural, it is unnatural to corrupt, hate, despise, and to try and destroy people.  Wherever you see signs of these abusive behaviors, default to love!  And remember to always, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”  Luke 6:31

Hear the W.O.W., the Words of Wisdom,
“Love both sides of people, Jesus did!”

As always, remember, God’s will for us is good, we must do the rest!
Pastor Stephen