Day 37 - GENEROSITY - Love Goes First 

Philippians 2:1-14

    Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  
2 Corinthians 9:6

    A person reaps what they sow… Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:7b, 9 

Daily Consecration Declaration- Read Aloud.   Seedbed’s Wake Up Call

      Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.

      Jesus, I belong to you.

      I lift up my heart to you. 

      I set my mind on you. 

      I fix my eyes on you. 

      I offer my body as a living sacrifice.

      Jesus, we belong to you.

      Praying in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Andrew Forrest, in his book LOVE GOES FIRST, addresses the toxicity and animosity which permeate our culture today, resulting in division and demonization of those with whom we disagree.  He specifically addresses the challenge of reaching the world with the Gospel when everyone is attempting to shout down those they see as a threat.  So, how do Christians begin to share Jesus in such a time as this?  

Forrest identifies three approaches that are most often implemented, but which prevent Christians from being effective in our Kingdom mission. The three responses that render us powerless and paralyzed are: Accommodation, judgment, and withdrawal.

Accommodation acquiesces to the culture’s views and values which negate a need for the Gospel message. It is a denial of sin which strips away the need for and meaning of grace.

Judgment alienates and accuses others by positioning ourselves above them. This naturally creates barriers and causes those who don’t know Christ to mistrust, fear, and avoid followers of Jesus and His Gospel. And frankly creates an excuse for avoiding and dissociating those with whom we disagree.

Withdrawal distances the disciples of Jesus from those we are called to reach and makes communication and missional impact impossible. The more we build barriers, and are determined to separate ourselves, the less impactful we become. 

Ultimately, Forrest presents the only way to bridge this division: Love Goes First!

That is what Jesus did.  That is the essence of Grace.  That is the Generosity we are called to engage in as the apprentices of Jesus.  LOVE GOES FIRST.

As we close out the last few days in preparation for Annual Conference, we will consider a key text for the early church.  Many scholars believe this was likely a hymn for the church. As a song, it likely captured both the head and the heart of living like Jesus. 

READ AND REFLECT on Philippians 2:1-4

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 

LOVE GOES FIRST!

As I read these words of Paul, I am compelled to consider all the ways Jesus has loved me, and the wonderful expressions of His grace in my life.  I hear the echoes of the chorus: All my life you have been faithful. All my life you have been so, so, good.  And I sense it isn’t just the joy of Paul, but also the joy of the Father that is made complete when those he has loved so extravagantly become grace-givers themselves. Recall yesterday’s reading:  Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  (1 John 4:11)

Take note this is not conditional on the decisions, behavior, or beliefs of other people. This is a called response to the grace of Jesus.  If you have any… This is an appeal to what Jesus has given to us which is the source and motive for loving others.   “Since God so loved us…”

REREAD AND REFLECT on Philippians 2:1-4.  Read it aloud. Let it soak in.

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 

Perhaps we should Survey the Wondrous Cross again: 

   See from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow, and love flow mingled down

   Did e’re such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?

   Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small

   Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my Soul, my life, my All.

ASK -
Lord Jesus, in the busyness of my day, with the passing of time, and as I ponder the darkness of the world we live in, help me not to lose sight of the cross, your love for me, and your love for the world. Help me to remember my salvation - your sacrifice of love. Help me to love others as you love them.

YIELD -
Lord, I open my hands and surrender all that occupies my attention and affection. I surrender my priorities and desires to your priorities and desires for this day. I invite you to guide my heart and my day.

Lectio 365 daily prayer

      Father, help me to live this day to the full, being true to you in every way. 

     Jesus, help me to give myself away to others, being kind to everyone I meet. 

     Spirit, help me to love the lost, proclaiming Christ in all I do and say.        Amen