Emphasis Preaching Journal

A Midwestern church has successfully partnered with an African-American congregation in their city. Throughout the year there are events that people from both churches participate. The pastor of the predominately white church encourages his members to "go out into our neighborhoods, our job sites, and our communities, let us be the very first ones in every social setting to reach out a hand of friendship over a racial divide."

The congregation has done just that. Two men, Leroy and Martin, had full lives and occupations and families to tend to. Over several years these two men carved out time to get to know one another. They developed a deep friendship. They go to ball games together and invited each other to share in family meals and other special events.

These two men serve as examples of what the apostle John was writing about: "Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action." There are times when we must go outside of our comfort zones to embrace people who might have different life experiences. In the concluding verses of today's lesson John writes, "All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us." People outside of the church will see our love in action.