It’s a bold claim to say that God is love. Not that God is loving but that God is love - the very nature of God is love. For those of us who have mostly or only heard God spoken of as judge, jury and executioner, this is a radical idea. What might it mean to encounter a loving God? And how might we experience that love in our own lives? 1 John, a letter in the Bible, makes this audacious claim and goes on to say that to know God and love God means we must also be people of love. Now to be clear here, this isn’t the romantic sort of love we often talk about, or what is portrayed as love on ‘Love Island’, this is love that cares deeply for others and is willing to take active steps to assist those who are struggling. 1 John boldly puts it like this
We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? (1Jn 3:16-17)
I wonder what it might look like for us to love others like that.
Got questions about Jesus? Why not check out the ‘Who is Jesus?’ link on the page menu.
If you are struggling at this time and just need someone to talk to, then please email us at office@pb.org.nz or call 0223075225 and we will contact you.
This coming Sunday: We conclude our series looking at the letter of 1 John.
A children’s programme is available and a crèche for younger children.
To join with us on air, tune in to Coast Access Radio 104.7FM from 10.00am or livestream at http://coastaccessradio.org.nz...
Mainly Music – Wednesdays from 10.00am during school terms. This programme is a fun way for parents and their children to spend quality time together based around music and movement. It is an opportunity for us as a church to connect with and offer something back to the community of which we are a part. It is also a way for us to demonstrate care, concern, and support for those with young children.
Small Groups. We have several groups meeting. Contact the church office@pb.org.nz if you would like to join one.
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Grace and peace