This Sunday, we’re taking worship outside where we’ll be looking at a passage of Scripture that paints a beautiful picture of what the Christian life looks like when Christ’s love becomes visible in us. Romans 12 describes a life marked by genuine love, devotion to one another, hospitality, patience, humility, forgiveness, peace, and even love for those who are difficult to love.
BUT if we’re honest, that picture can make us feel a bit uncomfortable. Our love is often conditional. We hold grudges. We want to get even. We struggle to celebrate someone else’s success. We avoid difficult people. We want peace—but often only if everyone else changes first.
Romans 12 though is not simply a picture of how hard we need to try to become better people. It is first a portrait of Jesus.
Jesus perfectly loved those who did not deserve His love. He blessed those who persecuted Him. He prayed, “Father, forgive them.” And on the cross, He overcame evil not by returning evil, but by absorbing it and defeating it through His perfect love.
And because Christ first loved us, His Spirit is now at work painting that same love into our lives. We don’t love others so that God will love us. We love because He has already loved us.
Come worship with us outdoors and discover what it looks like to live a life painted with the brush of Christ—a life marked by a love that looks like Jesus. Join us at our outdoor service this week at 10:30am! Live Streaming available.
Pastor Wes Asheim
