Weekly Word

The Weekly Word

by Pastor Donna

Authentic, Transparent, at Peace

1 John 4:6-12 emphasizes the importance of love and how it connects us to God and each other. The passage states that everyone who loves is born of God and knows God, and that God is love. It also speaks about how God demonstrated his love for humanity by sending his son Jesus whose love for us was so great He willingly laid down his life for us.  And love raised him from the dead.  Because God is love! 

That is why we are commanded to love one another with the same courage and passion. When we do, God’s presence becomes visible.  “Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God because God is love.”  Therefore, regardless of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity, they are connected to God. 

For people whose sexual or gender identity is unconventional, loving one another is challenged by discrimination, prejudice, hate and violence.    Despite the dangers LGBTQ+ people face, we celebrate during the month of June our resilience and courage in the face of adversity.  All we want is to live Authentically, Transparently and at Peace. It is possible because God is Love! 

Here at Groveland Congregational Church, we believe that everyone is created in the image of God and deserves to be loved and accepted for who they are, regardless of their race, religion, culture, disabilities, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

By embracing the message that God is love and that we ought to love one another, we openly affirm, no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey you are welcome in our faith community. Jesus turned no one away and neither do we! 

 Happy Pride 2023!