The theme of this morning’s service is a familiar one, but one that we always need to be reminded of: love. We will hear of God’s love for us, Jesus’ loving sacrifice on our behalf, our duty to love God and our neighbors, and how this love affects our lives and actions. We are invited into worship with an imperative from 1 John to “love one another just as I have loved you,” followed by a declaration from Psalm 25 that “the paths of the Lord are steadfast love.” We respond by singing the psalms back to God, describing Him as one who “loves the righteous” (Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah—Psalm 146) and whose “gracious love endures” (O Thank The Lord, For He Is Good—Psalm 118). The reading from 1 Corinthians paints a detailed picture of the attributes of love, and Philemon is commended because Paul has heard of his love for Christ and the saints (Philemon 1:5, 7). We pray in song for this love to fill our own hearts (May the Mind Of Christ My Savior) and the hearts of all men (To Our Redeemer’s Glorious Name). Having been assured of pardon for our sins, we profess our love for Jesus because He first loved us (My Jesus, I Love Thee). The communion hymns focus on living out the duty of love: we pledge ourselves to “love and follow” our Savior “whose every thought is love” (My Heart Is Filled With Thankfulness), while the Lord promises incredible blessing to those who walk in His way of love (Blest The Man Who Fears Jehovah—Psalm 128). Though it is a familiar message, so familiar it borders on cliché, I pray that we never take lightly the “wondrous love” that caused Christ to lay aside His crown for our souls—a love that transforms everything and everyone. —Henry C. Haffner
Posted by Henry Haffner
Categories: Worship Notes
