July 2, 2025
Wednesday Blessings,
Bible study has been journeying through Paul's letter to his beloved church in Corinth. Chapter 13 contains some of the most beloved words in scripture. Often this text is read at weddings. However, these words aren't written for a couple, they are written for a community. Paul says that the greatest spiritual gift we have is love. I offer the poem that I used as a blessing this past Sunday:
Bible study has been journeying through Paul's letter to his beloved church in Corinth. Chapter 13 contains some of the most beloved words in scripture. Often this text is read at weddings. However, these words aren't written for a couple, they are written for a community. Paul says that the greatest spiritual gift we have is love. I offer the poem that I used as a blessing this past Sunday:
Poem: "Choose Love", Nichole Vega
There are those who choose to love others.
And those who choose to judge first.
I hope you choose to love.
I hope you choose to believe first and then ask questions.
I hope you choose to look a person in the eye and say it’s okay when they make a mistake.
I hope you realize your imperfections are welcome mats for someone to step through your doors.
I hope you don’t let someone’s past define who they are today.
I hope you choose to say something kind rather than repeat an insult you overheard.
I hope you remember that when you were down, someone chose to extend their hand rather than a kick.
I hope you show generosity and expect nothing in return.
I hope you remember that we are all human so perfection is impossible.
I hope you find peace in acceptance instead of thinking, "what if they were different?"
I hope you choose to practice grace when it might be easier to just be bitter.
I hope you choose love.
There are those who choose to love others.
And those who choose to judge first.
I hope you choose to love.
I hope you choose to believe first and then ask questions.
I hope you choose to look a person in the eye and say it’s okay when they make a mistake.
I hope you realize your imperfections are welcome mats for someone to step through your doors.
I hope you don’t let someone’s past define who they are today.
I hope you choose to say something kind rather than repeat an insult you overheard.
I hope you remember that when you were down, someone chose to extend their hand rather than a kick.
I hope you show generosity and expect nothing in return.
I hope you remember that we are all human so perfection is impossible.
I hope you find peace in acceptance instead of thinking, "what if they were different?"
I hope you choose to practice grace when it might be easier to just be bitter.
I hope you choose love.
Paul ends this portion of his letter to his beloved Corinthian church with these words, "And now faith, hope, and love remain, these three, and the greatest of these is love." I believe as we turn our eyes and hearts to the celebration of the Independence Day of our nation, I believe the greatest spiritual gift we must hold onto is hope.
Grace and peace,
Pastor JJ
