Love means showing up

When people show up, it means they’re committed. It’s true for voting, it’s true in relationships, and it’s true for churches. Jesus specifically talked about the difference between two brothers and asked his listeners to tell him which one was committed: the one who said he’d show up, but didn’t; or the one who said he wouldn’t show up, but did.  The proof of commitment was showing up. (Matthew 21:28-31)

The catch is, showing up isn’t just the act of placing your body in the right location. It’s also about engaging your mind, heart, and will in whatever it is that you are committed to do.  In the video below, this commitment is reflected in responding to bids. Bids are those invitations to stop everything and prove our commitment. Most of the time, the bids are small, but sometimes they are giant.  Always, they are opportunities to grow - both in relationship and as a person.

As we look at all the hearts, balloons and bouquets being sold to us this week for Valentine’s Day, let’s keep in mind that the proof of love and commitment is much deeper and more transformative than tokens and treats. It’s those choices we make to be present, to invest, and to focus on the other that really matter.  The church is a great place to practice this kind of love. More importantly, it is a place where God is waiting to shower us with the true love we have always longed for. God is bidding us, will we respond?
                                                                                                                                      --- Pastor Rebecca