David Swift, Member since 2009

Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Reflection:
One of the most fascinating things when reading the Bible is how simple Jesus’ teachings were. Much like today, the laws of the past were full of regulations that were numerous and open to interpretation yet Jesus came with a very simple message: Love one another. 

We live in a complex world filled with mission statements, lists of core values, rules and regulations, talking heads…the list goes on and on. 2020 has certainly shown to bring our community a series of monumental events. Now, I know that life can’t always be in absolutes, but we can over complicate things as we seek to rationalize a certain situation.

How much easier is this simple message—love one another—to teach to our children, or live out in our day-to-day lives? I think about many times in my life where a simple message makes more sense.

I think about the teachings of Jesus and the numerous parables that explain such common, daily situations in a way even the youngest followers would understand and then compares the story to God’s love, or a specific behavior we are to embody. While we don’t see the reactions of all of his followers in each of these situations, I would have to guess their responses would be similar to an “aha” moment with the cartoon lightbulb above their heads turning on.

Life lessons usually are so simple, yet we try to find ways to make them so difficult. But I find God’s wisdom is not so complicated after all, and the teachings that we need to take to heart are inherently basic and human. These are the lessons I am teaching my son and at the same time reminding myself to absorb and reflect to the world.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, let us remember the simple lessons Jesus taught his followers, reminding us to be kind, give grace and love one another. For we all have sinned, let us not cast the first stone, but rather embrace each other in God’s love. Help us, O Lord, to remember that being nice isn’t something complex, but should be something that flows from the Father to all we interact with each and every day. Amen.