Celebrate Freedom and Love
Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God…—1 Peter 2:16–17 (NIV)
I am the vine, ye are the branches…—John 15:5 (KJV)
NORMAN VINCENT PEALE wrote about the most unusual Christmas tree he had ever seen, a lime tree that had been rescued from the trash by a church in Florida, whose congregation spray painted white and decorated with scraps of Scripture that had blessed their lives. Named the “Blessing Tree” people came from all over to read from the branches and be inspired. Dr. Peale asked each of us to reflect on how we might be the branches of God’s love.
Lord, show me how I can share the many blessings You have given me.
Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God…—1 Peter 2:16–17 (NIV)
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!—1 John 3:1 (NIV)
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.—John 15:13 (NIV)