Fred Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister who, during a time of severe unrest in our country, produced, starred in and wrote all the songs for his show that ran for 33 years. It was called “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” and he often asked, “Won’t you be my neighbor?” At a very basic level, (the show was aimed at ages 2-5), Fred Rogers had discovered the power of the truths taught by Jesus, and Mr. Rogers wanted to give them away. Could it be we over-complicate following Jesus in our lives and in our churches?
Pastor Adam shared the following quote by the governor of Colorado: “if we would become a community of great neighbors, it would drastically eliminate issues in our entire city.” Think about the implications of that: no programs. No initiatives. No marches. No drives. You could change your city by just being a good neighbor and doing what Jesus taught over 2000 years ago.
INVITATION: Join in our study this week and prayerfully consider what Jesus may be inviting you to regarding loving Him and loving your neighbors.
MONDAY: Romans 2:4: "God’s kindness leads {us} toward repentance”; all the means that God uses to bring us to faith are expressions of that kindness. Even before we are aware that we need or want to know God, he reaches out to draw us toward himself. Think about what your first memory of awareness of God might be. What circumstances led you to repentance? What was instrumental in bringing you to an awareness of God’s love? Try to recall your first memory of praying or wanting to pray, the person who fist mentioned God to you, the person who taught you your first “memory verse.” In more recent times, who has helped you learn about God or inspired you to want to know God more deeply? Give thanks for the kindnesses that have nurtured your faith over the years. Perhaps you can take time to write a thank you note to someone who has been an expression of God’s kindness in your life.
TUESDAY: Matthew 22:36-40: The commands mentioned by Jesus are two sides of the same coin: If you love God, you will love others. Sometimes the Christian journey can be presented as if it's some kind of behavior modification program and all about believing and behaving correctly. It is about loving God. Have you fallen in love with God? To fall in love with someone you must get to know them. What spiritual practices do you have in your life to get to know God better and fall in love with Him? From that, behavior will flow naturally. It doesn’t work to “do better” or “behave better.” What works is to love God. How will you love God today? Notice how you see it naturally flow out onto others.
WEDNESDAY: Matthew 22:36-40: If Jesus calls this “the greatest commandment” it is worthy of prayer and meditation for two days in a row. Loving with heart, soul and mind is mentioned in these verses. Most of us have a primary way of giving and receiving information (including love). Do you think your primary way is heart, soul or mind? Have you ever considered opening up to the other ways of experiencing God in your spiritual practices? If you are primarily a thinker, what would it look like to ask Jesus to help you open your heart (or soul) more to him? If you’re not sure what that might look like, ask Jesus! If you are primarily a “feeler” and live life from your heart, what things might be helpful to put your mind on to help you know God more? Pray through how you might be able to apply your heart, soul AND mind toward loving God, and then loving others. That is living an integrated, transformed life. How can you be open to all three forms of loving God and loving others? Teresa of Avila says: "the important thing in prayer is not to think too much but to love much. The head is not a bad place to start our prayer journey. but if prayer stays there too long and does not begin to sink to the heart, it will inevitably become arid and frustrating."
THURSDAY: I John 4:7: Love comes from God. If you feel convicted that you don’t love others well (including your neighbor), have you considered asking God for this gift? Do you spend time in the presence of God on a regular basis? It is impossible to learn things from God (such as love) and also learn to love God in order to better love others, if you do not spend time with Him. How might you begin to spend regular times with God? It doesn’t have to be complicated. God’s Word is a primary way to spend time with God. Many people find it helpful to go through Psalms or Proverbs based on what day of the month it is. Find something that works for you and your schedule and make growing in the love of God a priority in your life. He will honor it!
FRIDAY: Colossians 3:12-14: Forgiveness is a big part of love. We are to forgive as God forgives us. Forgiveness is a matter of being a good steward. Are you going to withhold from others what God has so graciously given to you? Is there anyone in your life who you need to forgive?
SATURDAY: I John 4:9-11: God loved you enough to allow His son to die on your behalf. He loved you before you were ever born. How does that affect you as you pray and contemplate it? Do you have trouble accepting this unconditional love? Why or why not? If you have trouble accepting God’s love of you, how do you think that may affect how you love others?