Building Bridges of Love
OPENING PRAYER:
God of love, as we seek to build bridges, fill us with Your compassion and courage. Help us to reach out with Your love and truth. Amen.
"The Spirit told Philip, 'Go to that chariot and stay near it.' Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. 'Do you understand what you are reading?' Philip asked. 'How can I,' he said, 'unless someone explains it to me?' So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him."
Acts 8:29-31 (NIV)
REFLECT:
In Acts 8, we see Philip's obedience to the Holy Spirit leading to a divine encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch. This story illustrates the power of running to the tension and building bridges of love. Philip's willingness to engage with the eunuch, despite cultural and religious barriers, resulted in a life-changing moment of understanding and acceptance.
Pastor Carter passionately emphasized Pathway's commitment to being a welcoming church, a place where everyone is loved and accepted. He expressed a deep desire for the church to be a sanctuary where people from all walks of life can come and experience the transformative love of Christ. Pathway is not perfect, but it is a community that strives to reflect Jesus' heart by not shaming, shunning, or looking down on others. Instead, it invites everyone into a journey of transformation and renewal.
This aspiration of a welcoming church aligns with the example set by Philip. Just as Philip ran to the eunuch's chariot, Pathway seeks to run to the tension of those who may feel marginalized or misunderstood, offering a listening ear and a heart of compassion. Building bridges requires us to step out of our comfort zones and spend time engaging with empathy and openness. It's about listening, learning, and sharing God's love in tangible ways.
As we build these bridges, we become conduits of God's grace and truth. Our actions can open doors for others to experience His love and find their place in His family. Let this be an encouragement to actively seek opportunities to connect with those around you, offering the hope and acceptance found in Christ.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will run to the tension and build a bridge of love.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Philip and the call to build bridges of love. Empower us to reach out with Your compassion and truth. May our lives reflect Your love and draw others to You. Amen.