Dearly Beloved,
Grace and Peace to you.
Many will come in my name and say “I am the one!”
and they will lead many astray.
—Mark. 13.6
Many indeed. Preachers claim to have the one Gospel, religions claim to be “the one way,” candidates claim to be “the one.” I myself come in the name of Jesus and claim to have the true faith. But I am at best only a student, often just a wannabe, and sometimes an outright impostor. It’s not that hard to tell who’s an authentic bearer of Christ, God’s anointed one, and who is a fraud. Jesus said “Love one another as I have loved you” (Jn. 15.12). Paul says “If I have faith so as to move mountains but have not love I am nothing” (1 Cor. 13.2). All of my political theories, all of my religious knowledge, spiritual wisdom, strong faith and impressive deeds are nothing. Only love. I am true to Christ only when I act toward others with the self-giving love I have received, the same unconditional, life-giving forgiveness, attentiveness, healing, kinship and encouragement that God has given me. Candidates, preachers, religions and we ourselves are impostors and will lead many astray unless we practice love and teach love, especially toward those most needing it.
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I behold your love.
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I receive your love.
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I practice your love.
Deep Blessings,
Pastor Steve
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Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net
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