So what is the connection between loving God and loving our neighbour? If there is real love of God, there will be love for ourselves, and love for our neighbour.
See how complete Jesus reminds us this love for God is meant to be: all our heart, soul and mind.
We are so often tempted to hold something back. We want to love ourselves on our own terms – to love ourselves fully, like we should love God. But that would lead to a world full of Gods, and how would that work out?
Or we are tempted to put these two loves in opposition. I can either be good, ethical, and law-abiding to love God, or I can just love people. The problem with this is that true love of our neighbour flows from the love ofGod. Our love for God leads to love of our neighbours, which leads us to want to act right toward them. Without love for God, and an experience of his love, we each have to define love for ourselves, and we all have different ideas about what love is!
We’ll see tomorrow how Jesus’ self-giving love sets the pattern for our love, while freeing us from the traps of loving ourselves first, trying to use others to earn our salvation, or any other attempt to manipulate God or others.
Question: Define love.
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This week, we take an honest look at our motivations for giving and helping others.
Charities know people like to be honoured and recognized for the good, generous people they are.
More likely to give, if they know they’ll be honoured.
A Dutch study of church offerings of cash for outside charities. Baskets & Bags. When using baskets, attendees can see the contribution made by their direct neighbours as well as the total amount already gathered. Givings Increased 10% when baskets are used.
Not just money. Owners of the environmentally friendly Toyota Prius were polled about why they drive a Prius. #1 answer was this it makes a statement about me. Higher fuel economy and lower emissions in third and fifth place!
Our concern for what others think can clearly motivate us to give and do good...a fact many charities use to their advantage to raise money!
Question: How have you benefited from giving to others in the past? Think about both tangible and intangible ones, intentional or not. How do you feel about receiving these?
