At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are continually reminded of the profound love and compassion that God has for each of us. This love is the foundation of our mission to “Be the Change as Jesus has Changed Us,” which we live out through our “Just 3” approach: Study, Share, and Serve. In a recent reflection, we were encouraged to consider the depth of God’s compassion and how it shapes our understanding of love and service.
God’s Compassion: The Source of All Love
The reflection began by highlighting the deep truth that God’s heart is profoundly moved for us. This divine compassion is the source of all love, including the nurturing love of a mother. As 1 John 4:19 reminds us, “We love because he first loved us.” God’s love is not passive; it is active and sacrificial. He demonstrated this ultimate love by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins so that we might be reconciled to Him (John 3:16).
Study: Knowing and Loving God
Understanding God’s compassion begins with studying His Word. In Exodus 34:6, God reveals Himself to Moses as “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” This revelation is foundational to our faith, reminding us that God’s character is rooted in love and mercy. As we study Scripture, we grow in our knowledge of God’s nature and His unwavering commitment to us.
Share: Knowing and Loving Others
God’s compassion compels us to share His love with others. Just as a mother’s love is protective and nurturing, we are called to extend that same care to those around us. We are reminded that we are God’s children, not forgotten or abandoned, but held in His compassionate embrace. This truth empowers us to reach out to others, offering hope and encouragement to those who feel lost or alone. As 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 teaches, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Serve: Love in Action
At Lakeview Christian Church, we believe that serving others is a tangible expression of God’s love. Our mission to “Serve” is about putting love into action, following the example of Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). Whether through acts of kindness, volunteering, or supporting those in need, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in our community. By serving others, we reflect God’s compassion and demonstrate the transformative power of His love.
Conclusion
As we reflect on God’s compassion, we are reminded of our identity as His beloved children. We are not forgotten or abandoned; we are cherished and held by a God who is deeply moved by our needs. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are committed to living out this truth through our mission to “Be the Change as Jesus has Changed Us.” By studying God’s Word, sharing His love, and serving others, we can make a meaningful impact in our world. Let us embrace the call to be disciples of Christ, united in our mission to spread the Gospel and transform lives with the love of God.
