Our capacity to love others comes from God’s lavish love for us and in us. God’s love within us then compels us to love others lavishly and unconditionally. Both components are essential. Remembrance of baptism.  Justin preaching, Sally doing reaffirmation liturgy. 

Reflection Questions:
1. How do stay near to Jesus Christ? What practices do you regularly engage in? What distances you from God, or currently blocks you from love?
2. Reflect on your primary spiritual gift: How can you use your unique abilities to serve and love others, especially those in broken places, and grow closer to God in the process? (if you don’t know) https://www.adultbiblestudies.com/spiritual-gifts-survey
3. Consider a situation where forgiveness feels difficult or even impossible. What steps can you take to seek God’s strength and grace to forgive, as Corrie Ten Boom did, and experience the transformative power of love?

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps