Subject: Discovering the Eternal Value of Life Through Love and Legacy (03/17/'24) -Message

Subject: Discovering the Eternal Value of Life Through Love and Legacy Dear friends, I hope this message finds you well and fills your day with inspiration and reflection. Today, I want to share with you a profound perspective on the true essence of life's value, a perspective that intertwines the significance of life and death in a deeply meaningful way. At the heart of our existence is a remarkable truth: life is invaluable precisely because it is finite. Each day we are alive is nothing short of a miracle, reminding us that the journey of living and the inevitability of dying are both integral aspects of the human experience. This duality serves as a foundation for understanding the concept of eternal life, beautifully exemplified by the resurrection of Jesus, where life emerges triumphantly from death, symbolized by the cross. The teachings of Jesus offer us a blueprint for infusing our lives with profound purpose and value. He urges us to love God with every fiber of our being and to extend that boundless love to our neighbors as we do ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). When we embody this principle, we not only enrich our own lives but also weave a tapestry of love that connects us to others and to a greater purpose. Moreover, the words found in Romans 14:7-8 eloquently capture the essence of our existence: "For we don't live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it's to honor the Lord. And if we die, it's to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." This passage reminds us that our lives, whether in moments of joy or in the face of death, are dedicated to honoring something greater than ourselves, affirming our eternal connection to the divine. In sharing this perspective, my hope is to inspire you to reflect on the eternal value of life through the lens of love and legacy. May this understanding guide you in living a life filled with purpose, love, and a sense of belonging to something far greater than ourselves. With warmth and reflection, Pastor Steven G. Lee (March 17, 2024)