Law of Love - No Judgement

Another good message at Hope United Methodist Church this morning. I don't think Pastor Boche would mind if I paraphrased her message. The message was proceeded by the following "Call to Worship" a message all of us at Hope UMC want to convey to everyone:

If your clothes are fine and you have lots of gold rings, you're welcome here.

If your clothes are dirty and you don't have a place to sleep, you're welcome here.

If you're feeling alone and you have no one to call a friend, you're welcome here.

If your soul aches and you need a healing balm, you're welcome here.

If you're filled with anxiety and are seeking peace, you're welcome here.

Come into this place to give thanksgiving, to be renewed and to remember the

One who knows each of us by name.

You are welcome here!

Pastor Boche spoke about the "Law of Love". Jesus told us that the two most important things we should do as Christians is to "Love God" and to "Love your neighbor as yourself". Those two rules are the 10 commandments from the Old Testament, all rolled together. Love God, and love others. Jesus was saying, and James in his letter to the church, was saying that if we are Christians, they will know us by our love. If we love as Christ did, then there will be no judgement of others. We are all part of God's family, on equal footing with God. James says if we have faith, then we will show that faith by action and by the love we show others. (New Testament James 2:1-17.)

They will know we are Christians by our Love. The "Law of Love". Claim the Love.