Skip to main content
| Administrator

ADVENT: Love & Service

This week, we focus on Love. Two of Jesus’ greatest commands are first to love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds (Matthew 22). And then also to love our neighbors. When we focus first and foremost on loving God, His love compels us to action and flows out of us to those around us.

One World Race squad has been living out the commandment to love their neighbors in tangible ways. Since launching in October, they have been spending time learning from and serving alongside ministry partners here in the United States, first in Chicago and now in Wisconsin Dells. Here’s what they’ve been up to!

Meet people where they are.

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. (1 John 4:19-21)

“My squad and I met and connected with Chicagoans with such interesting stories, talents, and interests. We were reminded of how incredibly big God’s love for them is and how it is worth getting to know people and meet them with where they’re at (spiritually and emotionally).

The Lord then allowed us to partner with the South Asian Friendship Center (S.A.F.C.), and meet such a sweet brother in the faith, the director of S.A.F.C, Eric Mason. We were trained on how to converse about the Bible and Jesus with our Muslim neighbors and friends. It was such a nourishing time diving deep into Biblical truths and Islamic teachings to gain perspective, knowledge, healthy tactics to converse in love instead of falling into unproductive arguments.” Read more from Janice.

Serve with a joyful heart.

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:10)

“We fed 392 families at our local food pantry by pushing carts through our food line up for about 3.5-4 hours. Honestly though, it felt like maybe 2 hours if that because we were dancing, singing karaoke, and cheering each other on the whole time.” Read more from Liz.

Be ready to serve however is needed.

Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Corinthians 16:14)

“Here in the Dells, we are partnering with Beyond Blessed Food Pantry and Bella Goose Coffee. At Bella Goose, we are attending their home church services as well as volunteering at their coffee pop-up stand at the tree of lights every weekend! The owner of Bella Goose, Jay Heesch, has also been intentionally finding things for us to do throughout the community. Yesterday, we helped a friend of Jay’s clear trees from his property so he can build a house for his family…we help unload trucks, sort and weight products, as well as bag & prepare the food for the Wednesday night food drive.” Read more from Hanna.

How are you sharing the love of God with your neighbors during this advent season? Share with us in the comments.