Loving Others
Jesus said, "We are the light of the world." We're called to be the light of Christ in the world—not just within our church walls on Sunday mornings but in every interaction throughout our week. Our faith journey happens in grocery store lines, neighborhood streets, soccer or baseball fields, golf courses, pickleball courts, workplaces, and countless other everyday moments. One of our church goals is that we share God's love in our sphere of influence. I think a lot of us don't think we have any spheres of influence, but we all have areas in the community where we are connected, involved, etc. Think about the small yet powerful ways you can reflect God's love in your daily sphere of influence:
When the person ahead of you in the Publix "10 items or less" check- out line clearly has 15 items, choosing patience over irritation becomes your quiet testimony. That smile instead of an eye roll might be the only kindness that person experiences all day.
When you hold the door for a hurried parent struggling with groceries and children, you demonstrate Christ's servant heart without saying a word.
When someone yells at you for taking too long to go when the light turns green, and you respond with grace rather than defensiveness, you're living out Jesus' teachings on turning the other cheek.
When we live authentically Christian lives and share God's love in our sphere of influence, something remarkable happens—people notice. When you mention church to someone and they don't respond with surprise ("You go to church?"), it means your actions have already spoken volumes about your faith. Our goal should be when someone we meet or invite to our church they would say, "I should have known you were from Fleming Island UMC; everyone I meet from there is so loving, helpful, caring, compassionate, (some good words about our faith)" What a beautiful testimony to how our congregation is impacting our community!
This month, I want to challenge each member to intentionally look for opportunities to share God's love through simple acts of kindness:
• Let someone merge into traffic with a friendly wave
• Leave an encouraging note for your mail carrier
• Genuinely listen when a neighbor needs to talk
• Offer to pray for someone who is struggling
These seemingly small gestures create ripples of God's love that extend far beyond what we can see. I am sure you can think of more! I'd love to hear how you share God's love in your sphere of influence.
Remember, you might be the only Bible some people ever read.
How will you share God's love in your sphere of influence this month?
With Grace and Love,
Pastor Mike
When the person ahead of you in the Publix "10 items or less" check- out line clearly has 15 items, choosing patience over irritation becomes your quiet testimony. That smile instead of an eye roll might be the only kindness that person experiences all day.
When you hold the door for a hurried parent struggling with groceries and children, you demonstrate Christ's servant heart without saying a word.
When someone yells at you for taking too long to go when the light turns green, and you respond with grace rather than defensiveness, you're living out Jesus' teachings on turning the other cheek.
When we live authentically Christian lives and share God's love in our sphere of influence, something remarkable happens—people notice. When you mention church to someone and they don't respond with surprise ("You go to church?"), it means your actions have already spoken volumes about your faith. Our goal should be when someone we meet or invite to our church they would say, "I should have known you were from Fleming Island UMC; everyone I meet from there is so loving, helpful, caring, compassionate, (some good words about our faith)" What a beautiful testimony to how our congregation is impacting our community!
This month, I want to challenge each member to intentionally look for opportunities to share God's love through simple acts of kindness:
• Let someone merge into traffic with a friendly wave
• Leave an encouraging note for your mail carrier
• Genuinely listen when a neighbor needs to talk
• Offer to pray for someone who is struggling
These seemingly small gestures create ripples of God's love that extend far beyond what we can see. I am sure you can think of more! I'd love to hear how you share God's love in your sphere of influence.
Remember, you might be the only Bible some people ever read.
How will you share God's love in your sphere of influence this month?
With Grace and Love,
Pastor Mike
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