Subject: Embodying the Teachings: Living as Parables of Love (02/18/'24)

Subject: Embodying the Teachings: Living as Parables of Love Dear Friends, I recently found myself deeply moved by the idea that Jesus's life itself serves as the ultimate parable. This thought led me to share with you a reflection that goes beyond traditional understanding. It's not merely through His spoken words that Jesus taught us but through the very essence of His actions—each act of kindness, each gesture of compassion, and every demonstration of love was a living, breathing example of His teachings. Consider for a moment the power of living not just by words but by actions. Jesus's life was a clear, vivid illustration of divine love in practice, accessible and understandable to everyone around Him. His actions didn't require interpretation; they were direct messages of love and truth. For His closest followers, there was no need to decode parables; they experienced His teachings in real-time, through the life they shared with Him. This insight serves as a profound reminder for us all. In the complexities of faith and spirituality, we often seek clarity and understanding. Yet, perhaps the most straightforward path to grasping the essence of Jesus's message lies in embodying the values He demonstrated. By living out acts of kindness, love, and compassion in our daily lives, we too can become living parables, making the divine love we've been taught not just something we believe in but something we actively demonstrate and share. Let's inspire and encourage each other to reflect these values, transforming our understanding into tangible actions. In doing so, we not only deepen our connection with the essence of our faith but also with each other, fostering a community that embodies the teachings of Jesus in the most authentic way. With warmth and hope for a journey of living out the teachings we hold dear, -Pastor Steven G. Lee (February 18, 2024)