Vital signs- Friday, February 10th, 2023

Guess what usually tops the Google search topics: No, it’s not ESPN It’s : ‘What is love’? Debates on love and the who, what and how of it are constant in social media and popular culture. Love it or hate it; the fact is you can’t live without love! Our very own search engine, the Bible, is the BEST tutor on the topic of love! God clearly emphasizes how our identity and love go hand-in-hand. The underlying truth is that we were created to be loved and to love. After all, who we are lies in our identity in the Lord Jesus Christ (who we belong to). Before it becomes a feeling, love is all about a relationship and is first revealed to us as a person (God is love: 1 John 4:8)! The story of Zacchaeus is powerful when we see that Jesus had only to invite himself over for dinner for Zacchaeus to know that he was in fact loved unconditionally. Soon after, Zacchaeus is more than happy to make amends and far more! In short, an encounter with God propels us into our God-given identity! We are freed up to live guilt-free and generously! And finally, love just happens! Our identity in Christ empowers us to love. ‘For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them’ (Eph. 2:10). Living out love as outlined in 1 Corinthians 13 is not as impossible as it may first appear to be. Created as we are in God’s image, the doing of love comes down to walking in our actual identity as sons and daughters of God (who is love). And knowing our identity empowers us to act in and with love even if we don’t ‘feel’ love. Your identity in Christ equips, empowers, and elevates you to loving God and loving people. The invitation was extended several thousands of years ago and it continues to stand even today. Take a moment. Before scrolling down, give yourself permission to lean into the love of Christ and sense His presence affirming who you are. Now, come fall in love once again!

“The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭3‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Father

today may we experience your love and express our love to you. May we lavish that same love on the world around us. Thank you for the way you love me even when I act unlovable. Thank you for loving us with an everlasting love, and may we spend more time expressing love to you and others rather than asking you for things you already said you would provide.

Help us to love like you do , in Jesus name!

Team Wade is crazy about you❤️👊