Love as Jesus Loves

 Jesus said; “Do you love Me? Feed My sheep.”

John 21:17

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, faith is a gift from God. Works and good deeds for God’s glory are our response to that gift. Both faith & works are important, but we can’t earn God’s favor. When you seek Jesus with all your heart, and invite Him into your life, it often changes you. As you grow in faith, you WANT TO serve God in some way. We are called to live a life “faith in action,” which is the logical outcome when we become believers and strive to “Love as Jesus loves.”

 

For scripture tells us:

“Faith without works is dead.”

James 2:26

A Shining Example of How to “Love as Jesus Loves.”

This week, I had a special guest, Greg LaCour, on my monthly podcast, The Inspirational Café, to talk about How to “Love as Jesus Loves.” I have a guest on every other month to talk about a variety of interesting, faith-based topics for believers and non-believers. I invited Greg on the podcast to share about his calling to lead an exemplary, life-giving ministry—and how he said ‘Yes’ to lead this full-time ministry. In this interview, we talked about the Manna House Ministry, the large food ministry that he leads which is a beacon of hope for our community.

 

Through BAUMC Food Ministries, Greg’s calling from God is quite an undertaking—an incredible operation. In fact, this Christmas, he and his team gave away 500+ donated turkeys, and hundreds of bags of food. And that was just in one weekend, one day, at the monthly big food giveaway at BAUMC—one of the 4 community food distribution ministries he manages that also include bringing bags of food to seniors and shut-ins. Even during the pandemic, this ministry continued to deed those in need week after week, month after month, without ceasing.

“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you…”

Jeremiah 29:11

Greg & I first met about 5 years ago at the Manna House Soup Kitchen at the Bel Air United Methodist Church in Harford County, MD where I have led prayer team for the past 12 years. Among other things, Greg is in charge of all 4 Food Ministries at his church, the Bel Air United Methodist Church, including Manna House. He wears many hats in our community, and leads with boundless energy, great organizational skills, and a big heart, serving those in most need in our community. Greg and his ministry team really know how to ‘Love as Jesus Loves.’ And it shows in every aspect of his ministry. What a blessing they are to our community!

“A person is justified by works, and not by faith alone.”

James 2:24

 

Greg shared about how he got started, and how this ministry is a life-changing team effort for him, his volunteers, and the community. One of the things about ministry is that it always benefits all involved—both those in ministry, and those served by ministry. In essence, he is living out the motto that he shares with his church: ‘Love as Jesus Loves.’ Though he seems to lead effortlessly, and gives God the credit for the success of this ministry. “God provides!”

 

“This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35

As Christians, we are called to be a blessing to others, using the gifts God has given us. There are so many ways to share your faith and ‘Love as Jesus Loves.’ We can lead by example, praying for and with others, and helping to meet their diverse needs.

As I listened to Greg talk, it reminded me of how Jesus served the poor, fed the hungry, and ministered to those in most need—people from every possible background. Sharing your faith journey as a witness, is another important way to bring Jesus to others. Talk about ‘tending the flock in your midst,’ Greg & his team really go the extra mile to feed the flock in their midst, providing role models for us all. As Jesus told His disciples:

 

“Tend the flock in your midst.”

1 Peter 5:2

That means your family, friends, church, neighbors, co-workers…

Certainly the phrase, “Love as Jesus loves.” has tremendous implications for every believing Christian, and the lives of those we touch. Christianity is all about simplicity, sharing God’s Love with others, witnessing to what God is doing and has done, and serving Him through others. What a privilege and blessing for all!

© Copyright 2022   |   Adele M. Gill

Until next time, may God continue to bless you, and your loved ones profoundly, in every way!

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