Love One Another
“Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul…” Acts 4:12
Reverend Nancy is such a cheerleader of the ministries and mission of the First Presbyterian Church in Germantown (FPCG) that we‘re used to seeing our monthly newsletter filled with a treasure trove of upcoming opportunities for us to participate in FPCG programs. These opportunities are wonderful ways to grow in our Christian faith and to put that faith into actions consistent with Christ‘s Great Commission that we go and make disciples in His name. (Matthew 28:19)
As many of you know, Reverend Nancy is on a leave of absence attending to the needs of her very seriously ill father in Florida. In doing so, she is leading by example, embodying another aspect of that Great Commission by teaching (us) to obey everything that (God in Christ) has commanded. She‘s honoring her father - one of the Ten Commandments we read in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5.
Even as we surround Reverend Nancy and her family with our prayers, it is understandable that we might feel a sense of void by her absence. Providentially, such a feeling puts us squarely in the shoes of Jesus‘ disciples as they first heard Him give that Great Commission. The crucified and risen Christ was about to ascend into heaven as he said those words. He was going to leave them in body, but would send the Holy Spirit to be with them - and us - to the end of the age.
It is that Spirit that reminded the disciples of Jesus‘ words at the Last Supper, This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:12)
It is that Spirit that reminded them when Jesus was challenged to name the greatest commandment, he replied, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.‘ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
And, it is that same Spirit that reminds us, challenges us, and empowers us to be the church of Jesus Christ in Reverend Nancy‘s absence by loving God and loving one another.
If we approach every perceived void or lack in our congregation with that focus, our Christian witness will trumpet FPCG‘s ministries and mis-sion until Reverend Nancy returns to do it as only she can.
See you in church!
Rev. Kevin