Since last week's events (Charlie Kirk's assassination, another school shooting, 9-11 remembrance, more polarizing comments and devaluation of human life), I've been wracking my brain for a simple message that would help us view one another as humans valued by God and called to value one another. God's
Word gave me even more:
"Jesus loves you and so do I."
Such a simple sentence but with it comes a lot of truth, grace and mission.
God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son into the world to die for every person. Every single human on earth past, present and future. That gives each person value. No human life is expendable to God. He died for each one so that each person could come to know him and his unending love for every soul. He wants you to know that he loves you. You are not abandoned. Jesus came for you! He calls to you in love to turn from your life without him and steeped in sin and to find in him forgiveness, everlasting life, and new purpose for daily living.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
1 Timothy 2:4
"[God] wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."
John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
God also calls us to love EVERY ONE. He doesn't tell us just to love our family and friends. God calls us to love the unlovable. He wants us to spend time with the marginalized, the lost and the absolutely broken. He even tells us to love our enemies (and yes, this includes those who are "on the other side"). Jesus tells us to love as he has loved us, even if that means being hated, mocked, beaten and even killed. For when we love as he has loved us, speaking the truth but in such a way as to save another soul like ours, we magnify Jesus in us and for us all.
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Matthew 5:43-45
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven."
Check out the link if you like this message and want to wear it in your community. However, I'll give you one disclaimer: If you wear it, you have to live it in words and actions!
Click Here
Jesus loves you and so do I. I mean it!
Titus Buelow (Founder of Underground)
