06-10-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
June 10, 2023
In Ancient Greek, the original language of our New Testament, there are three words we translate into English as LOVE (actually, there are more than three if you look outside the New Testament). This reminds us of how we attempt to cram a lot of meaning in simple four letter words, a rather wide range of meanings that might dilute our intended meaning. Tomorrow, in worship, I will be talking about a passage from Ephesians 3 that specifically references Agape, the Greek word most commonly associated with God’s love, God’s far-reaching and immeasurable loving kindness. Again, there are other words in the Ancient Greek that we translate into English as LOVE, often ways of describe friendship or even romantic love, but we as humans are invited numerous times to live into the love most often associated with God. It is sort of intimidating to think we could even begin to replicate in our daily existence the love God revealed in Jesus. But as long as we think it is out of reach, it will forever remain out of reach. It sort of appears as if God, spoken through prophets and priest, and of course, Jesus, seemed to think we were more than ready for the task. So maybe it is time for us to stretch ourselves for Agape, God’s unconditional and limitless love.

​Continue to help me find those places in my life where your love has yet to be displayed, O God of Immeasurable Grace and Mercy. By the power of your Spirit and the ideal example put forth by Jesus, we begin to see what is possible. May it be so! Amen.