Love one another

August is here. It can be hot. “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do. How come we never do anything fun?” Maybe that’s what we hear after we got back from vacation and broke the bank to go to the amusement park. Maybe the kids had a meltdown with the Mickey ears on, right there in the midway.
We were so looking forward to summer. We couldn’t wait to get out of school, or for things to lighten up at work. We were excited for the busy seasons to give way to a time for barbecues and camping out. Now though, maybe whining starts. Parents start longing for the fall. Maybe we need a break from the kids!
Even if it’s not as bad as all that, is that how we think sometimes? Is that what we focus on and talk about? Maybe we dwell on it because we’re upset or ungrateful. Maybe we dwell on it and talk about it for a laugh. Maybe that’s good! Laughter — especially being able to laugh at ourselves — is a healthy thing. But maybe laughter isn’t good if it sends the message to our loved ones that they’re a burden.
The truth is, our life takes its shape, meaning and purpose through these callings of ours. Without the people in our life and our callings to serve them, our life would be pretty empty. As it is, like the rain greens up the lawn and causes flowers and vegetables (and weeds) to grow, and then the rabbits come to eat things and test your patience, everything works together in a wonderful plan from our gracious God that gives life direction. Life has a focus, because of the people God has placed in it. We’re here to help and serve them. They in turn are there for us, helping and encouraging us.
And it’s good! Even when life gets messy. Even when we bought ice cream and it landed cone-side up on the pavement. Even when the tears come because that ice cream cone was ours. We don’t live this life all that gracefully. We certainly don’t do it perfectly.
Thankfully the salvation of the whole messy thing is Jesus, who brings his perfection and grace to our life. He did all things well. Though he did nothing wrong, he offered himself to pay for the sins we somehow can’t stop committing — even if we want to. He forgives us the wrongs we have done — all of them. That is what we need to hear, and what we gather to receive, Sunday after Sunday.
Then he sends us back, giving us the blessing of work that he wants us to do: in our families and groups, neighborhoods and workplaces, churches and homes. There, the Lord Jesus says, “Love one another … as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)
“Love one another.” That command we had from the start. “ ... as I have loved you.” That part brings Jesus into it, where the amazing, selfless love He has for people extends to them through you. All this is by grace, through faith, another one of the reasons for His welcome call, “Come unto Me.” Join us in God’s House this Sunday as we hear more about our loving Savior.