It’s already February in the year 2020. Time sure flies! I’m excited to see what this year has already brought. I’m optimistic that our church is going to make an even larger impact in our local community. God is doing wonderful things all around us – we just have to join in. It’s my pleasure to officially introduce the youth’s underlying theme for this year.
Our theme this year is, “What Does Love Look Like?” This Sabbath we get to hear NDAA chaplain, pastor Rob, dialogue with our young people about Jesus, His love, and how we can reflect Him in today‘s context.
The crux of this focus can be found in John 13:35, which reads, “By this, all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
“Love for one another.” Our beliefs are important. How we live our lives is important. But Jesus says we will be known by our love for one another. Love has to be the core of all that we do – whether it’s the way we greet someone at work, the way we look at others in the church, or even the inflection of our voice as we say hello. Love is pervasive, and if our love for another is not apparent, then John 13:35 would imply that others will not know that we are in Christ.
For a practical application of this, during Sabbath School time, the youth will be hosting a live Q&A session for the youth and young adults in the Family Life Center. The panel will consist of adults and youth.
It’s important to not just be happy that youth are in the church, but to actually listen to and dialogue with them. This is our goal with the Q&A session.
So here’s my challenge for you:
When you see a young person in church, look past what they’re wearing, look past where you feel their spiritual life is lacking, and just genuinely welcome them. The church should be a safe place to struggle. I implore you, let love come first. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
May God bless you abundantly in all that your hand finds to do.