better together- day 1

"Real love is placing the needs of others before your own. It is making your problem, my problem. It is giving to another without any guarantee of getting anything back. It is giving others what they need, not what they deserve. Although love can create intense feelings, love is not a feeling. It is a choice, an action, a way of behaving, a commitment. Love is sacrificing for others."

This part of today's devotional leaped off of the page and stuck in my head from the time I read it earlier until I read it again just now. The ECSU small group met for the first time today for the 40 Days of Community campaign. The format is much different than the bible study and sharing session we used last semester, but already I can see the fruit growing.

There was such a genuine sense of community- real love happening right in my dorm room with 4 college students who are in love with Jesus. One of our members has just recently lost a brother and is still really struggling. This individual has been to SPCC a few times and to small group once, but I hadn't seen this person in awhile. Having them present today was such a blessing. The rest of the members were blessed to bless her with love, compassion, ears to listen and arms to fall into.

So often in today's society we get caught up in the idea that love is the equivalent to lust, as Rick gives the examples about so called "love" songs. It is both exciting and challenging to be surrounded by a community of believers, seekers and skeptics all approaching these next 40 days in similar ways. I have no doubt that by the end of these weeks, my heart and the hearts of many others will be changed due to the stretching and testing of our love.

I am anticipating and praying for what is to come. These are God moments, God appointments, non-negotiable meetings with our Creator to figure out how best we can love-- because after all, that is what we are here for.