February: The Month of LOVE
Love God, Love people
Mark 12: 28-31, “One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH. The second is this, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
I love the first part of Jesus’ response. Basically he is saying, “Hey guys, listen to Me, I am the Messiah, I am Emmanuel, God with you. There is only ONE GOD and I am He.”
We must first know the Godhead, the three in one, Father, Son, and Spirit, before we can completely LOVE HIM, and certainly before we can truly LOVE others. The search to know God is a life-long journey for people, full of trial and error, triumph and set backs. The Father uses everything in our lives; family position, circumstances, geographic placement, relationships, sorrows, pain and incredible elation and joyous occasions, to help connect us to His heart. He really, really LOVES us and wants us to know Him AND love Him.
But how do we love a God we can’t see?
We become like little children…the faith of a child in an unseen Heavenly Father who watches over them and has a plan for their life is amazing to watch. Lord, help us to become like little children. Give us spiritual eyes to see and a heart that will follow you without restraint!
Now, for the 2nd commandment. Love your neighbor as yourself. How do we really love others? We start by asking God for His heart for people. This can be a difficult process especially when there is wounding and pain involved. Lord, let us see people like you do! Fill us with your love…
Our December chapel consisted of all the children placing decorated paper hearts next to baby Jesus in the manger as a symbol of giving their hearts to Jesus as a birthday gift. It was a beautiful scene as some children knelt before the manger and closed their eyes as they gave their heart to the baby King!
February’s chapel will be similar. The children will decorate a heart and then find someone in the room to give it to as a symbol of the 2nd commandment.
LOVE GOD, LOVE OTHERS. That’s the bottom line. That’s what He called us to. That’s the beginning of the Great Commission.
Continue to direct conversations with your children with this commandment in mind and you will succeed in cultivating their hearts for Jesus. ♥
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Tender Vines Valentine Tea- Feb 11 and 12
Monday, February 18, President’s Day-NO SCHOOL
Class Pictures: February 23, 24, 25