When Jesus loved, He loved in ways never imagined. Though rich, he became poor to love the poor, the forgotten, the overlooked and the sick. He played to the margins. By spending less at Christmas we have the opportunity to join Him in giving resources to those who need help the most. When Advent Conspiracy first began four churches challenged this simple concept to its congregations. The result raised more than a half million dollars to aid those in need. One less gift. One unbelievable present in the name of Christ.  Advent Conspiracy

Practically speaking…HOW THE HECK DO WE LOVE ALL?? WHAT DOES IT EVEN MEAN TO LOVE ALL? WHAT IS LOVE?

Well Jesus had something to say about love… in fact he had quite a bit to say… and since I’m finding it hard to summarise this message – I’ll let Jesus talk to you for a moment!

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? even sinners do that…But love your enemies, do good to them…Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:32-36)

“Love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself…” (Matt 22:37-39)

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down’s one’s life for one’s friends…I have called you friends…” (John 15:13, 15)

This love seems to indicate self-sacrifice, servant-hood, where you give of yourself to another, and not just to those with whom you receive something back. So often we give because we get something in return, we love someone because they love us. It’s hard to keep on loving when there is no  “reward”.
Love is what God is all about “God is love” (1 Jn 4:8,16). Many people today have not experienced true love – through neglect, abuse, deprivation and various other things. Yet, we can, even if we have never experienced it, know what love truly is…

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us…” (1 Jn 3:16)
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we love God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 Jn 4:9-10)
What is interesting is that in 1 John 3, the writer goes on to tell us – the readers, what love is to be about in the here and now
“If any one of you has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in you? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” (1 Jn 3:17-18)

This is what LOVE is all about – not some airy fairy feeling, but real love is evidenced in and through ACTION & TRUTH. It is about acting upon the needs we see around us. It’s about caring, being merciful, living out relationally with others, knowing what is happening with them, giving them a phone call, writing a letter.

It is impossible for any one person to know and love all people (except God!) Yet we are placed within a family and network of friends, colleagues and acquaintances. It is in that sphere of personal influence where love can be demonstrated. Where the reality of God’s love can be experienced in our daily lives and with those around us.

Related posts:

1. Advent Conspiracy – Christmas is coming!
2. Advent Conspiracy – Spend Less
3. Advent Conspiracy – Give More…Take Time!!
4. Advent Conspiracy – Worship Fully
5. Advent Conspiracy – Changing the World