The Pastor’s Office

February is often spoken of as the month of love.  But isn’t love for every month, everyday, every hour?  In fact, Jesus teaches us that the greatest commandments are love for God and love for one another. 

But for so many, our world doesn’t feel very loving right now.  People are losing their jobs, health benefits, homes, and even having their identity as a US Citizen questioned.  We currently live in the unknown, where it is easy to allow anxiety, fear, anger, frustration, and resentment to take over.  But Jesus calls us to love instead.  To allow love to turn anxiety into groundedness in Christ.  To allow love to turn fear into courage to speak what we believe.  To allow love to turn anger into curiosity that brings transformation.  To allow love to turn frustration into inspiration to follow God’s call.  To allow love to turn resentment into resilience in faith. 

We are called to follow Jesus and Jesus is most simply God’s love in human form.  However, we cannot speak of love, if we do not know love.  We cannot claim love if we aren’t willing to allow love to change us, to transform us, and to be part of every breath we take in and let out.  And we do not truly live the love of Christ unless our love is for all.  No conditions, no exceptions, and no limitations. 

Our neighbors, communities, and the world needs love right now, radical, unconditional love.  Love that unites instead of divides.  Love that accepts instead of degrades.  Love that is compassionate versus punititve. As Lutherans, we live in the world, but not of the world, which means we are called to live out our faith in love, in all aspects of our lives. 

My hope is that we all step up and out in love so that all may experience the steadfast, unconditional love of God in Christ Jesus!  And that this love can be heard and felt through all the noise, clutter, and chaos that surrounds us. 

May God fill us all with courage, strength and wisdom as we venture together into the world, loving like Christ Jesus.

Pastor Karla