Image via WikipediaIt is an understatement to say (and fairly obvious) that, Love lived is and obsession of mine. I am intrigued by what it means for our every day life, for our coming and going, our careers, and how we spend our time.The best way I know to explore what that means to love well is to start with scripture, rely on the Holy Spirit, and be inspired by people's lives who are consistent with and the previous two. Since I've dedicated many of the previous blogs to scripture, I thought it might be helpful to show more of people's lives. The following highlight some lives that have inspired me:
"Public Health is love wrapped in a discipline"- Majora Carter
This is a woman who grew up in the South Bronx, saw systematic abuse of her neighborhood and led an effort to green her ghetto. She did it in a way that brought jobs to her neighborhood, transformed landfills into parks (literally) and started a movement. Learn more at http://www.ssbx.org/
Crazy Love-
Francis Chan
Featured on this blog two times before, Francis Chan left the comfort of a mega church to pursue God's call and missional living. He writes of love for God that is radical, complete, demonstrative surrendering-- Crazy.
Love God. Love People. -
Israel Houghton
A simple message based on the two greatest commandments Matthew 22:36-40, expressed through music. He is also an advocate and spokesperson for World Vision.
The Measure of Love-
Chip Ingram
In his book, Good to Great in God's Eyes, a call for sacrificial demonstration for those who say they love Christ.
Radical -
David Platt
A call for the church to reject the American dream in pursuit of God's heart for the world.
All in all, I think the theme is a wave of love, where God is showing me how to be more like Him, and less like the world. He is showing me how He made me and how I can bring Him glory. Maybe that's why this passage in Romans chapter 12 starts out with transformation and sacrifice as a path to finding the will of God, and ends in instruction to love sincerely and keep our zeal:
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Israel Houghton
A simple message based on the two greatest commandments Matthew 22:36-40, expressed through music. He is also an advocate and spokesperson for World Vision.
The Measure of Love-
Chip Ingram
In his book, Good to Great in God's Eyes, a call for sacrificial demonstration for those who say they love Christ.
Radical -
David Platt
A call for the church to reject the American dream in pursuit of God's heart for the world.
All in all, I think the theme is a wave of love, where God is showing me how to be more like Him, and less like the world. He is showing me how He made me and how I can bring Him glory. Maybe that's why this passage in Romans chapter 12 starts out with transformation and sacrifice as a path to finding the will of God, and ends in instruction to love sincerely and keep our zeal:
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Romans 12:6-11
May we ride a wave of love, swelling with grace and mercy, and fueled by our overflowing thankfulness for the One who loved us first. And may we arrive on shore realizing our journey was blessed to be a blessing. Amen.
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