by Lisa Allgood, Executive Presbyter
“A new commandment I give you, that you love one another: Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” – John 13:34
Love. The stuff of country songs and operas, Hallmark cards and holidays, 5 languages; presents, jewelry, gifting. Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels (thank you Joni Mitchell). Right…? Well, maybe the way we’ve been taught to approach it.
Oh, there are all kinds of pithy sayings to describe love in the secular dimension. But (without going into all the Greek versions and what they mean – you’ve all heard those before) that’s not what Jesus intended.
I think He meant:
Bridges to love are really bridges to each other which are bridges to Him. The bridges we build between each other connect us in and to the mystery of His creation. Bridges unite us in manifestation of His commandment. What could our world be if this is the way we lived…?
In 2023 we’ll explore the metaphor of bridges. Where are you seeing them – building them – walking them? Where are they connecting your ministry to your congregation, your community, to the Kingdom – to the King?
The Presbytery of Cincinnati loves you. Let us build a bridge to the future together – with much love. Praying blessings on your ministries in 2023!
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