CCOG Newsletter

The day after Christmas, I made my way to Hobby Lobby (who can resist a sale on Christmas decorations?!). While there were still plenty of Santas, snowmen, and nativities, one thing was clear - the trees were coming down and the hearts were going up! For weeks, there have been advertisements telling you to buy your sweetheart what his or her heart desires - a ring, chocolates, a trip to exotic locations - whatever they are marketing. Restaurants were packed Friday and Saturday (I assume. Our "Valentine" dinner is later this week). Tons of roses had to give their lives. But I would imagine that all the candy hearts are 50% off today. Out with the hearts and in with the Leprechauns or bunnies or whatever the stores want to sell you.

How easy is it for us to forget to love? Our focus this month is on sharing love, but will you still love your neighbor, co-worker, or needy person on the street next month without being reminded? Love must be our lifestyle. Jesus said that the way that the world would know we were His disciples is by our love for one another. God is love. Our good fruit stems out of a heart of love. Do not just love in word, but in your sincere actions.

Text: Luke 14:1

Jesus walks right into the house of a prominent Pharisee on the Sabbath—a space filled with scrutiny, hidden motives, and spiritual tension. And He does it on purpose.

Most of us prefer comfortable rooms. Rooms where we’re liked. Rooms where we’re understood. Rooms where people celebrate us. But Jesus intentionally steps into spaces where He is misunderstood, misrepresented, and not truly welcomed—and yet He shows up as Himself. He doesn’t shrink. He doesn’t harden. He doesn’t become defensive. He simply carries the heart of God into the room.

If we’re going to love like Jesus, we cannot only love where we’re comfortable. Some of the places God calls us to step into will stretch us. Some circles will not “get” us. Some environments will challenge our pride. But following Jesus includes the willingness to be present even in the places we’d rather avoid.

Because there’s always a reason God brings light into dark rooms.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Matthew 9:10–13 — Jesus sits among sinners, and the religious can’t make sense of it.
• John 1:14 — The Word became flesh and lived among us.

Reflection:

What relationships or environments have I avoided instead of engaging with love?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to show up where You send me. Give me courage to step into places I’d rather avoid, and grace to represent You well when I get there. Amen.