...but whoever obeys God's Word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. By this we may be sure that we are in Him; whoever says, "I abide in Him," ought to walk just as He walked. 1 John 2:5-6
Growing up we gave up sweets for Lent. This was true sacrifice for a second grade girl with a sweet tooth. I love the tradition of sacrificing something to remind us that Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice with His life so that we may receive His salvation. He is our Risen Lord with the scars of His sacrifice on His Risen body. And when we sacrifice, small or large, for Him then we may find ourselves increasing our 'abide' in Him.
On His way to the Cross He suffered unbelievers' unjustified hate and during these times He would do one of two things. He would go off into the wilderness and abide with God or He would gather those who loved Him the most around Him and tell Parables teachings, and give Promises. Whether He was abiding with God, or abiding with God and folks, it was evident that He made it easy to love Him because He's just so awesome.
To abide with Him is to hang out with Him and that is where every blessing happens. We can ask Him anything and He will respond to answer. If we are sorrowing, He bathes us in His comfort. When we pray with one another the power of His Holy Spirit forms in and around us to transform us to God's will. And when we need direction He is sure to help and bless, even a second grader swinging her feet under the pew when He spoke to her and called her into pastoral ministry.
To God be the Glory!
Rev. Patricia E. Walker,