“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” ( John 1:14 MSG)

The gospel writer John paints a rather detailed picture of who Jesus was. Theologically, John painted Jesus as a real person created in the image of God and who incarnated, or lived out, the very nature of God. He later says, “God is love”. Over and over again the theme of the nature of God as painted by John is centered in love.

I know that in our world our nature is to paint ourselves, our community or county, our state of our nation as unique and superior to others ... but that mindset is not the picture God has of all people, no matter what their nationality, their religion, the part of the country they live in, their sexual orientation ... to God all of us are worthy of God’s unconditional love.

Notice I said unconditional. Many churches have perfected the gospel of guilt as a means of adherence to their perspective on about everything, including an image of God, but I think what John had in mind was that God loves each of us in spite of our past, our background, our nationality, our skin color, our past sins, even our sexual orientation. Too often we invoke cultural practices as theological interpretations of a God of judgement, rather than a God of unconditional love.

God’s love is affirming, not of our sins against God or others or our world, rather, God’s love simply says “I love you ... you are my child ... I want the very best for you ... you are special to me.”

God seeks to free us from all that keeps us from being a loving, caring, compassionate, patient, affirming person. Now, this isn’t what we are taught in the world, let alone in many sermons or Sunday School lessons, but love is God’s way.

As we begin the school year shortly, I am reminded that some kids going to our schools will be either bullies or bullied. What a challenge to educators and parents to remove every barrier to our kids to learn, discover their potential, and master the skills that will enable them to live positive, productive lives.

The Word becoming flesh means each of us discovers that life has meaning when we find in the Love of God and of others, the opportunity, encouragement and challenge to be all we’re created and gifted to be.

Here’s a challenge for you and me: “How can I show love to someone who needs it this week; what can I do to encourage, support, forgive, inspire another?” Our world is too full of folks who are all about themselves, their cause, their group or church, their attitude or misrepresentation of God by condemning others who’s way of life is different — but God shows us that it is all about love. The love of God, the love that became flesh and lived in our neighborhood. May everything we say and do be preceded by reflection on how we are showing and living and conveying God’s love.

Love, like your life and relationship with God depended on it, because you cannot be right with God if you are not showing God’s love to everyone. Show love to others this week and show that you are a transformed disciple of the One who showed what love is all about. We love because Christ first loved us.

So, let’s complete the sentence, “They will know we are Christians by our purity in doctrine; being faithful Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists; or will they know we are Christians by our love? Love, that is what it’s all about. Never stop showing God’s love and acceptance, forgiveness and encouragement, patience and humility, a disciplined life and joyful spirit.

And finally, remember, God, the Creator of all, loves you unconditionally. God wants to walk with you and encourage and inspire you to a full and meaningful life. I hope The God of love is in your neighborhood showing you love and encouragement.