Victory: Victory’s Charge

This morning we gather in God’s house to celebrate and receive his greatest gift to us: his love. As we confess our sins, we trust in his mercy to forgive us. As we listen to his word, we grow in our understanding and application of that love. As we gather around his table, we receive that love in tangible forms. Today’s Gospel, reinforces the great importance of love in the life of the believer. Without God’s love we would all be eternally lost. But God has demonstrated his love in sending his Son, Jesus Christ, who lived a life of love for God and neighbor and even his enemies. That same love prompted him to sacrifice himself on the cross. Jesus’ love moves us from death to life, from rebellious enemies of God to beloved children of God—even heirs of eternal life. But this love doesn’t just change our status. It changes our attitudes. Experiencing the depths of God’s love for us, we strive to love each other deeply in word and deed. May God continue to bless us as we love one another as he commanded!