April 2025

Letter from the Committee

Love

Painted eggs, resurrection rolls, Passover seders… the cross. Easter traditions, old and new, symbolically bring foundational truths into focus. What traditions do you anticipate most? What reminders of the Lord’s character do you especially hold dear? Or, is it a challenge to call one to mind? No matter where your heart rests right now, let’s collectively recognize who He reveals Himself to be through Scripture:

1.      He is faithful (2 Tim 2:13)

2.      He is tenderhearted and good (Ps 34:8)

3.      He is holy (Rev 4:8)

4.      He is just and merciful (Ps 145:8, Deut 32:4)

5.      He is sovereign (Is 25:8-9)

6.      He is peace (2 Thess 3:16)

7.      He is truth (1 Jn 5:20, Jn 14:6)

8.      He is LOVE (1 Jn 4:7-8)

This is a terribly insufficient list to apply to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, our Savior and God. So, add the titles He’s demonstrated to your heart to this list! There is always more, always something deeper to be experienced with our infinite God.

Romans 5:8: “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Christ’s death and resurrection shattered reality. Right here and now, take a moment to really pause and consider what His sacrifice altered for you. What would life look like right now if He did not give His life that day? Then, consider the contrast of hope versus hopelessness for loved ones around you. The gospel is not just for those with nothing. It is for everyone. Our Lord went to unmatched lengths to chase after and secure our hearts for eternity. How can we pursue others with that same love? We love because Christ first loved us (1 John 4:19) and we are recognized as Christ followers by how we love (John 13:35). Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). Thus, as Easter approaches, we share two questions to ponder:

1.      How is the Lord encouraging you to embrace His love afresh today?

2.      Who in your life, specifically, needs to know (or be reminded of) this love?

As we encourage one another by affirming who our Lord is, we pray it ushers us (and others) toward Him as a loving refuge in life’s storms, and sanctuary of rich and fulfilling relationship at all times.

Happy Easter,

Samuel Durand (AR), Nicole Kaiser (MT), Alyssa Sloneker (AR), Denise Sprimont-Vasquez (VA), Elizabeth Stapleton (OK), and David Vasquez (VA)

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