But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

If you have a long history with Sunday School songs, you may remember this one:

“It’s about love, love, love, It’s about love, love, love,
‘Cause God loves us, we love each other,
Father, Mother, sister, brother,
Everyone sing and shout, ‘cause that’s what it’s all about.”

The words are simple but the message is enduring. God loves us first, equipping us with the awareness and tenacity to put love into action.

I grew up in rural Minnesota in a community of farmers. Farmers love to work and care for the land; they love to work and care for each other. I remember several times when a farm family experi-enced tragedy during the growing season and the entire commun-ity came together to bring in that family’s harvest. Farmers young and old with their shiny or worn red or green combines (it just didn’t matter in that time and place) came together for one purpose – to provide the loving service needed to lessen the burden.

Love was not limited to the army of machines attacking the mature crop. Love was also found in the neighbors who came together to feed all whose hands had served in the field. Sharing a meal strengthened the collective experience. Love was poured out in camaraderie, and like the opening song, stayed with you as you returned to your everyday work, only to be rejuvenated the next time a need arose. After all, “it’s all about love.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us, as imperfect as we are. Thank You for the memories that help us reflect on lessons learned. Empower us to continue to recognize opportunities to show love through service to our own neighbors in need. Thank You for sending Your Son to die for us.

Daily Reading: Proverbs 30

– Contributed by Connie Petrich