Reassured Hearts
Scripture: 1 John 3:18-24 (NRSV)
There are times in life when our hearts don’t feel all that reassured. Like, maybe, now. In fact, how are you feeling this election week? If you took a stress test right now—what would be the condition of your heart? In your heart of hearts, are you feeling fearful, uncertain, elated, exasperated, exhausted, devastated, angry? All the above? The Apostle John in his first letter brings a calming voice, telling us to test the spirits—listen carefully, pray, sift and weigh what you hear. For John the test is this: LOVE. Do a heart check. Is God’s love at work in your heart? Are you loving God? Loving others? Hear the good news: God is greater than our hearts. God is greater than the fluctuations of emotions we feel. God loves us, warts and all. God’s perfect love cast out all fear. We can take a deep breath and take heart because we have reassured hearts with the gift of the Spirit in us—we are loved and we can be loving, no matter our circumstances.
November 8, 2020 Service Bulletin and Bible Study
Sermon Art: “Four Hearts” by Jim Dine (1969), WikiArt (Fair Use)
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