Submitted by Pastor Bill Hargis, Rock Port and Watson United Methodist Churches

“This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:12).

My friend, mentor, and former pastor, J.C., almost always closed his worship services the same way, “The people you encounter this week, love on ’em. Love on them like Jesus loves on you. The people we meet every day, we don’t know their hurts or fears, we don’t now what obstacles they’re facing. So, love on ’em like Jesus loves us, unconditionally.”

The word we’re looking for is “agape.” This is God’s love, the highest form of love, a sacrificial love that has no limits and no requirements. Think John 3:16.

So right now, you’re saying there is no way I can do that. How do I love someone I don’t know? How do I love someone who doesn’t believe what I believe? How do I love someone who isn’t like me? You’re right, none of us can love like God, without God!

William Willimon, author of United Methodist beliefs, tells of a conversation between two people he overheard. “I’m really not a loving, peaceable person by natural inclination. If I’m going to act in a loving way toward the people I despise, God will have to make me that way.”

God transforms lives. This is why attending church is so important. Church won’t save you, Jesus Christ does that. Attending church helps us get closer to God. Attending church will surround us with the love, support and encouragement from others who are struggling in the same way we are. Attending church lets us know we aren’t alone in our life struggles. Our church family accepts us for who we are, warts and all. Church is our safe place where we can share our thoughts and grow in Christ through Bible studies and fellowship. Of course, you have to be involved in order to feel the benefits a church family offers.

This is why I’m inviting you to church. I think this is one of the most loving things someone can do for someone else. I would love to see you at my church this Sunday, but I would love just as much for my friends at the other churches in the community to tell me you visited them. We all serve the same God. On this page you’ll find a list of churches. Please choose one and visit.

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with all of you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Remember this, I love you all and there’s nothing you can do about it. Shalom.