Dear friends in Christ,
Iâm just heading home from the “It’s All About Love” festival organized by the Episcopal Church in Baltimore. What a fantastic gathering! Iâm leaving inspired and renewed.
Our Presiding Bishop speaks often of Godâs love as the center of our faith. Bishop Curry is exactly right. Of course, he didnât 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. Godâs 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 Godâs love, we will love God and love others. Itâs just that simple. And this love is not cheap love, a sentimental niceness. This love is sacrificial, generous, extravagant, truthful.
Iâm grateful for a whole festival to renew my focus. You can find videos of some great talks from the conference online, and I hope youâll read the Episcopal News Service coverage, too.
While Iâm glad I was able to spend time with Episcopalians from all over, not everyone could travel to Baltimore. If you couldnât 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