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Just came out of our morning crew's conversation. We delved into love, specifically contrasting our culture's lovey-dovey, low intentionality and nonsacrifical norm with those encountered in the Scriptures. We focused upon I John 3:11-18, I Corinthians 13:3-8a, and John 3:16.

Just a few brief reflections, much more could be written, but wanted to share these thoughts while they were fresh on my mind

1. Cain, as his parents before him, desires to discern good and evil in his own eyes. He is volatile over God's embrace of Abel's full offering, an over the top expression of his love for God. Cain further defines good and evil by eliminating Abel and lying with regard to his demise. How we have fallen. Each day we, who were made in the image of God follow his example and despise, envy, gossip, and even murder/destroy those who get in the way, instead of that of Christ. Forgive us as people, as a nation, as local communities, as individuals . . . forgive me. Lord, grant us your grace so we may intentionally care for the well-being of others today through our actions and words2. Love is expressed in humility and submission. Love always trusts, hopes, perseveres . . . love never fails. As Pascal noted, we all have a God-shaped vacuum. May we find that space filled first with the love and Presence of Christ . . . and faith and the hope not far behind.3. Love is a verb. God's loving goes the distance. Sometimes we are confused by it, as religious experts such as Nicodemus (or the disciples which flee in the Garden and helplessly view the crucifixion). Although the cross may appear a failure in the short term, it is the answer to evil, sin, broken-ness. The Father and the Son suffer the pain of separation. The Son endures judgment and physical broken-ness. But His total life devotion is accepted and He is given new life, a new day for the Kingdom of God dawns, and the freedom of Spirit comes closely on His heals. This is more than a story. It is the reality of God's love for His creation and the redemption of those made in his image. All glory and praise be to Him.