Dear friends in Christ,
I’m just heading home from the “It’s All About Love” festival organized by the Episcopal Church in Baltimore. What a fantastic gathering! I’m leaving inspired and renewed.
Our Presiding Bishop speaks often of God’s love as the center of our faith. Bishop Curry is exactly right. Of course, he didn’t invent this idea! Read a few words of 1 John with me:
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. (1 John 4:7-9)
If we know God’s love, we will love God and love others. It’s just that simple. And this love is not cheap love, a sentimental niceness. This love is sacrificial, generous, extravagant, truthful.
I’m grateful for a whole festival to renew my focus. You can find videos of some great talks from the conference online, and I hope you’ll read the Episcopal News Service coverage, too.
While I’m glad I was able to spend time with Episcopalians from all over, not everyone could travel to Baltimore. If you couldn’t make it, I suggest that you spend a few minutes and read 1 John. It really sets out the truth that God is love, and love is of God.
Yours faithfully,
Scott Gunn
Executive Director
More from our ministry:
From Grow Christians: The Wondrous Chaos of Youth Sunday
Bishop Curry recommends: A Generous Beckoning
Practice discipleship in your daily life: The Way of Love Practical Guide
Read and reflect on scripture with Forward Day by Day