The June magazine seems to be filled with Love. There reports on the Royal Wedding and how church groups celebrated the love of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and their wonderful wedding day with parties of our own. Celebrations are definitely in the air as we come to summer months, and get together to eat and drink and enjoy time together.
Love is also evident as we think of our Time and Talents programme during June this year. It's not just about giving to pay the bills – it's all about the Love of God, and how we should respond to that love from the heart. God’s love should move us to give generously, what’s right to give to God in response to his love, not just what’s left in our purse on a Sunday morning.
This generosity of spirit should be the hallmark of Christians, whether we’re talking about giving money, or our time, or our skills and talents – or indeed in how we treat one another. If more people are getting involved, and things in our church are changing, then we all need to be generous in our response, and understanding. Growth and change can be challenging and difficult, but it is much easier if we have a generous spirit – and can be patient, loving and kind.
Of course these things are all Fruit of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives us gifts to use to build up the church, and as we work together with the Holy Spirit, we can see the result in our lives – becoming more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient with one another, kind, faithful, gentle and self-controlled. We reflect on these things especially at the Festival of Pentecost – and we ask for God’s Holy Spirit to be more evident in our lives.
May we be open to God’s Spirit this year, and may we see the result in each of us, becoming more generous of spirit, more understanding of each other, and more loving in response.
No comments:
Post a Comment