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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion March 26, 2007 Love Makes the World Go Round |
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Frontline Devotion for Monday, March 26, 2007 by Fritz Foltz
A scribe believes he will be able to understand who Jesus is if he knows what he regards as God’s most important commandment. For clarity Jesus responds with two. The scribe approves the answer, acknowledging we express our love for God best when we place care for people ahead of observing religious ritual. Jesus commends the man for being mighty close to eternal life.
The Gospel is very clear people come before worship. We are told to leave our gift at the altar to go resolve first any problems with our brothers and sisters. Jesus approved the Good Samaritan who cared for the broken man rather than the priests who proceeded to worship. John claims those who say they love God but hate their neighbors are liars. There is no doubt that love of God is definitely expressed in love of neighbor.
There is also no doubt love is not simply the feeling touted in modern pop culture, Many agree love what makes the world go round, but mean finding a lover takes precedence over all else. New Testament love goes beyond being attracted to another. It involves caring for the needs of others around us even when they are not attractive.
New Testament love also goes beyond rational choice where we carefully decide how much we can afford to give others after we have enough for ourselves. It does not waste time determining who is worthy of our gift. The love of which Jesus speaks responds to the needy around us simply because they are needy.
The Christian life operates much like our circulation system. It keeps in circulation what God gives us. We pass on God’s love to those around us. Make sure you keep up the flow this Lent.
Let us pray: Fill me with your love, gracious Father, that I might find true joy and share it with all those around me. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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