In his book "Staying in Love," Andy Stanley writes..."We all know what’s required to fall in love… a pulse." He points out, however, the fact of the matter in the book's subtitle: "Falling in love is easy. Staying in love requires a plan." Truer words have maybe never been spoken. We'd all like to think that the feelings of falling in love will see us through the tough times of a relationship, but that rarely happens. Staying in love requires intention, commitment, discipline, and action. That goes for staying in love with God, too! As we continue to discover what is "Uniquely UMC," we consider the last of Wesley's General Rules, Stay in Love with God. As we seek to Do No Harm and Do Good, we're going to need a vital, vibrant, and deep relationship with God. To be God's people in the world, we'll need to Stay in Love with God! Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wddzig1-fXk
Most of us learn at a young age that to share with another is a benefit to both the giver and receiver. Young children are taught to share, and we often hear, "It is better to give than to receive." We feel good about blessing or aiding another, and the other finds joy in the gift. Giving and doing good is also a core tenet of the United Methodist tradition. In fact, "do good" is the second of John Wesley's General Rules that guide our faith and life together. In additional to: FIRST Doing No Harm, and Staying In Love With God, as we Do Good, we witness to God's goodness real and active in the world. This week in UniquelyUMC, we learn more about how Jesus' love is manifest in the world as we "do good." Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQBMTweJBzw