Hey NLC!!

Check out this verse: "By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters" 1 John 3:16

I have been reading an incredible book lately. It's challenging, uplifting, and full of principles that I need to grow in as a Pastor. One of which is LOVE. One thing the author of this book, "Worship Matters", writes is, "We can't claim to fulfill the greatest commandment in song while neglecting the greatest commandment in life." You see, as a Pastor, I know that everything I do is being watched. Every worship song I lead may be criticized. Every "devo" I send out may be read through with a fine toothed comb and scoured for imperfections. But here's the deal, as a son or daughter of Christ and one who follows Him, you can expect it too. People are watching how you act and react, and a lot of times we aren't hemorrhaging the love of Christ like we should. God calls us to set an example in love. When we fail to set the example in love, then how can we expect to lead others to the One whose love is unfailing? If they can't see what the Father's love is like through us, then how can we expect people to want to discover the grace and love of Jesus?

Two verses later, in 1 John 3:18, it says, "Let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and in truth." 

I want to challenge you today to love someone the way Christ loves them, to actually be the hands and feet of Jesus by ACTING in the love that He gives. Love unconditionally. Comfort selflessly. Listen wholeheartedly. Forgive fast and say "sorry" first. Grow in love by remembering the love that God showed us. If you want to see eternity stretched and Heaven grow, then this is the first step: LOVE!!!

Love you guys and praying for you all!!

Chris Boardman