People Say "I Love You"

GCD Newsletter, February 14th 2023

Many of you will be sending and receiving Valentine’s Day messages today, but none will be as sweet as this:

People say “I love you,”
Daughters to Dads,
Sons to Mums,
Mums to Daughters,
Dads to Sons,
Let’s say it to Everyone!

This was written by the son of a friend of mine—who we’ll call Junior—who in turn sent it onto me this morning. It’s had me smiling all day. On the other hand, however, it also reminds me of Jesus’ words to his disciples, in which he uses similar language to talk about the division that would occur as a result of his coming. He said,

“They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Luke 12:53 ESV

I’ve decided that this year I would give up Twitter for Lent. A massive part of this decision was because the platform has become increasingly more divisive over the past few weeks, and it was beginning to affect me. I was seeing not just family set against one another, but also friends and enemies. Every day faceless trolls and small-town pastors alike hurl insults and attacks over makeshift battlements, with a new battle beginning again each morning. People turn up ready to argue, even if they don’t yet know what the argument will be about. Although it is sadly true that this will persist until Jesus comes again, as Christians, we should stand out in this status-quo.

Junior’s poem, sent on the first morning of my fast, reminded me that love isn’t just for Valentine’s day, and should never be an afterthought. As Christians we’re called to be known for our love for one another.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:34-35 ESV

Beyond that, we’re also told to pray for our enemies and our leaders, regardless of whether we agree with them.

This Valentines day, think about Junior’s words, and about how you can extend your love beyond the walls of your household, or your church, and to those who need it most. The last line of Junior’s poem read, “I love you guys.”

Who can you send that same message to today?

Grace and Peace,

Adsum Try Ravenhill is married to Anna and together they are passionate about seeing young men and women discipled within the context of the local church. You can find Adsum through his writing at The Raven’s Writing Desk and you can also find Adsum’s articles for GCD here.

Last Week at GCDiscipleship.com

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Saul, The Medium of Endor, and Our Too-Strong Longing to Know God’s Will
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Many questions surface from this text. Is this really Samuel? It sure sounds like him! This does not seem to be a false word from the mouth of Satan, as one might initially suspect. In fact, the prophecy comes to pass, but there is no other place in Scripture, except perhaps the Transfiguration, where dead people are summoned to appear.

GCD Writers’ Coaching Corner