Our God of compassion and love

Canon Missioner Graham recently spoke of signs and how they are used to point to something, such as when Jesus performed miracles. The miracles were signs that pointed to, or showed us, the nature of God. The miracles of healing, feeding, resurrection show that the nature of our God is compassion and love for us.   

I would like to include that in addition to the miracles that point to God’s love for us, there are the words of Jesus in Scripture that are signs to guide us in our journey in life as children of God.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the first and the greatest commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Matthew 22.37b-39

Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,^* you did it to me.”

Matthew 25.37-40

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’

John 13.34-35

Jesus also gave us parables such as the parable of the prodigal son. A man has two sons. There is an example of an errant son who repents; a faithful son challenged by confused emotions; and the expanse of a father’s compassion, forgiveness, and unfailing love that exceeds both of their expectations. 

Signs of the nature of our God and guides as to what it means to live as a child of God, are echoed in our Book of Common Prayer. In The Outline of the Faith, otherwise known as the Catechism, a ‘Question’ on page 849 asks, “What is the nature of God revealed in Jesus?” The ‘Answer,’ is, “God is love.’ In our Baptismal Covenant, we are asked questions and we respond with promises. Questions and promises on page 305 include: “Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?” “I will, with God’s help.” “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?” “I will, with God’s help.”

These are signs that point the way, that guide us in our journey as children of Almighty God – we are to love God and, to love one another.

Rev. Mary Reese+