Fearlessly Loving Regardless

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blog fearlessfaith.net
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19 We love because he first loved us. =
20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister i=
s a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they hav=
e seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 

1 John 4:19-20

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I’m a Patriots fan.  One of my brothers is a Ravens =
fan.  We’re a little competitive when it comes to the love we have for=
our team (BTW we won last nite!).  But because I root for a different=
team, it doesn’t mean that I hate the Ravens, or my brother for rooting fo=
r them – in fact, I love them both… ok, but I still want the Pats to win =
(!!)  John, on a serious note, r=
esponds to sentiments believers felt while being persecuted.  Our text=
is clear:  you cannot be choosy about who you love, if you’re in Chri=
st.  God’s love, present in your life, changes how you love altogether=
.  It makes you love everybody.  John remembered Jesus when he sa=
id “Love your enemies” (Mt. 5).  So remember the love in your heart ne=
ver runs out. 

 Teach me to love, Lord, as You love, Make it unconditional, honest, =
and kind,
To ask nothing back in return, Lord, To encompass the whole =
of mankind.
 
May I offer my love without speaking, May it r=
adiate as it shines forth from me,
May it be seen in my face and my ey=
es, Lord, May it be simple, sincere, and shame free.
 
Make =
my love for others be greater by far Than any love that is offered to me,Led by the Spirit, Inspired of God, As forgiving as Jesus…and free.&n=
bsp; AMEN

(poem by Virginia Ellis)

Rev. Jeffrey Brown

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