This has become my new mantra. Lately I've been pondering th
e VALUE of Christ's love. Step back. Jesus Christ, the LORD of all creation, said that YOU and I are worthy of His mercy, grace, forgiveness, freedom, life, and LOVE, when he came, died on the cross and rose again to defeat death. The outpouring of God's love onto us came through through the sacrifice of Jesus. Love others is only possible through Christ's love. We don't earn our salvation, we are filled by the Holy Spirit and overflow the love into the world.
Last week, I and several other adults, took a group of Junior Hight students on a mission trip to the Niagara Falls community in New York state. It was a beautiful opportunity to get to know some of the students. One thing I've learned about ministry is that relationships matter. There is a lot going on in the heart and mind of a junior high student it investing in them makes a difference. In theory, ministry is teaching. In practice, it's love.
The students were enlightened by the wonderful Youth Works staff as they learned about service. I saw students come out of their shells and spread joy, life and love to the community of Niagara Falls. It was beautiful to watch these students learn about the freedom they have in Christ and see them share that through their relationships and service with the people in Niagara.
