But the goal of our instruction is love [which springs] from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some individuals have wandered away from these things into empty arguments and useless discussions.  -1 Timothy 1:5-6

I believe this is something that is easy to do as we get into our Christianity. We can get into the weeds on how and what we should be doing as Christians down to the smallest of details that then turn into man made religious practices, or we take something that works to keep us on track and think that it should work for everyone and therefore try to force it on the people around us. Like the verse above says, we, as Christians, are called to love out of a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith…that’s it, we don’t have to add to it. For some of us those deep dives into history and theology can be exhilarating and most interesting and can help us find a deeper understanding and awe of God, but for those that don’t find that exciting and interesting, if we focus on loving out of a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith we have the Holy Spirit on our side guiding us in how what that looks like. This does not mean that we don’t have to read the Bible, the Bible is often how God talks to us, and gives us a simple, yet profound way to walk out that love. If we go by the world’s definition of love we will go completely off base. In what way can you walk this out today?

“Faith is not some weak and pitiful emotion, but is strong and vigorous confidence built on the fact that God is Holy Love.”

“If you believe in a God who controls the big things, you have to believe in a God who controls the little things. It is we, of course, to whom things look little or big.”  Elizabeth Elliot

Dad Joke of the Day:

I told a joke on a Zoom meeting but nobody laughed.

Turns out I’m not remotely funny.

Have a great Wednesday!