Naming is important in the Bible too. God changed people's names as they stepped into their destiny. Remember those stories?
And for better or worse we also put names on people. Some are cute childhood nicknames, some are more hurtful bestowed nicknames.
As a society we also name people. "oh, she's just a drunk. He is 'crazy." This one is an ex con. That one is a druggie. He is a thief. She is a liar, lies all the time. They are scammers, take people for all they've got. That family is homeless, must be lazy. He is a gamer...all he does every day is play games. She's a slut. He's a player. Loser...
Wow.
Have we forgotten?!
"When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for US SINNERS....GOD showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us WHILE we were STILL sinners." (Romans 5:4-8).
Have you heard God's new name for you? Have you heard the new name for 'those' listed above? We are dearly loved children! "We have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand..." (Romans 5:1-3).
Our undeserved privilege needs to overflow towards others' who do not yet know this peace and joy of right standing with a Father who loves us ...a child who is loved, secure...joyfully and freely gives!
"For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to FILL our hearts with His love. (vs4).
Please let us begin calling people by the Name that God has given them." Dearly loved child"...put those other hurtful names to death.
What name would you rather be called most of all? Our name helps to shape us. Hopefully it is a rare parent who gazes on his newborn and says..."well...you are going to grow up to be a loser. Just like me..." NO! God, have mercy. WE are MADE in the IMAGE of GOD, who dearly loves!!!
We can ALL speak this truth into lives. Refrain from labels and hurtful names. "Call out' each one's belovedness. See the image of God and speak truth and hope into each life you encounter! Even if they do not yet know Jesus. God sent Him to die for us while we were yet sinners!!! Extravagant, incredible love.
Volunteers at Love INC work with a variety of people. Many of our clients know and love Jesus. Many do not. Life happens...loving Jesus or not. "In this world you WILL have many troubles." Thankful for volunteers who choose to become relational with clients and for the friendships that develop. It makes a BIG difference in lives of those whom God dearly loves. YOU are helping transformation to happen in the lives of real people in our neighborhood. Thank you!
Thankful for our donors who are so generous. On planet Earth it takes money to have things happen. Your giving helps our Gap's to function well. Your giving helps our office to be able to move forward well and go through open doors that God is providing. Your gifts make an eternal difference. Thank you!
Prayers are the foundation. Many of you pray for us and this ministry. You too are making a difference for all eternity. Thank you!
His beloved child,
LaCheri