Dear Church Family,

In Saint Augustine’s “Confessions,” he wrote this about the love of God; “You are good and all-powerful, caring for each one of us as though the only one in your care.”

This observation has been misconstrued over the ages to mean that God somehow looks to each of us as an only child, but this is inaccurate. Although the difference may seem subtle, it is actually quite profound.  This erroneous mindset manifests itself in the un-Christlike but all too often observed attitudes of selfishness and self-centeredness. 

It is true that God’s love and care for each one of us are deeply personal and unique.  His knowledge and understanding of each and every one of us is absolute, total, and complete. When we make the error of perceiving this unique love as somehow ours alone it can result in isolationism and exceptionalism that have the opposite effect than its transformative purpose. The love of God is never just inward.  By its very nature, it transforms us to spread to others.

God’s love sets us free for far more noble purposes than to live for our own interests. Consider Paul’s words in his letter to the Galatians. 

Gal 5:13-14    For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."   ESV

In Peterson’s paraphrased translation “The Message,” it reads as follows:

Gal 5:13-14  It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows. 14 For everything we know about God's Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That's an act of true freedom. -THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

As we begin 2023, it is my prayer that we will be drawn by God’s love to embrace the holy calling to love our neighbor as ourselves. May we not see ourselves as God’s unique child alone, but others as His unique children as well. 

Loving you all, 

Michael