A simple commandment.

In John 15, Jesus gives his disciples a simple commandment. "This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay one's life down for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you." This is my personal theme in my life. Love is the church's highest commandment from the very words of Jesus Christ. We are called to love. Not to judge. Judgment is the job of God Almighty. Whatever you are struggling with today, know that you are loved. Not just by my ministry and those that support it, but by the creator of all things and the one that breathes life in your lungs every day. Especially when you feel you have no strength to go on.

Remember the words that strengthen me in my darkest moments. "You are loved. From the smallest atom in you to the darkest parts of your conciousness, you are loved. The one who orders the fabric of time and existence loves you as you are right here and now. That will never change, no matter what happens to you or what you do."

I do not pretend that this thought never comes without tears or the response of "Why, God? What makes me so special to deserve a thought from you, much less love and forgiveness?"

Always the answer is a small whisper like arms wrapping around my wounded soul. "You are my child and you are worthy because I say you are. You love my son and you love me and you are my creation. I love you because you are. You are enough. You are beautiful in your brokenness. Take comfort in my love, knowing nothing can take you from my heart. You are loved."

So today I say to you: You are loved. You are enough. You are beautiful in your brokenness. Take comfort in the love of your divine creator and find the strength to make it through your struggle. He believes in you and so do I. We can and will make it through our struggles together. Pray for me. Pray for the ones supporting me. I am praying for you.