Discipling Life

There are moments when love is more than a feeling. It shows up in the choices we make when no one is watching. It takes shape in patience, in forgiveness, in staying when it would be easier to walk away. We often say love matters, but Jesus invites us to live as though it truly does. In John 14:15-21 , Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Then he offers a promise: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever” (vv. 15-16). Love and obedience are not burdens here. They are signs of relationship. As we respond to Christ’s love, we are not left to figure it out on our own. The Spirit comes alongside us, guiding and strengthening us in ways we could never accomplish by ourselves. Embracing this relationship, we begin to experience the holiness of heart and life that God desires for us. Our response to God’s love is not merely passive; it requires our active participation. This is where the cooperative work of grace comes into...

Paul’s Letter to the Romans is a favorite of many. It was instrumental in the lives of Augustine of Hippo, Martin Luther, and John Wesley, just to mention a few. The 8th chapter is often referred to as influential to people who love the letter. In fact, N. T. Wright has written an entire book on this one chapter titled, Into the Heart of Romans: A Deep Dive into Paul’s Greatest Letter .   The letter continues to be a strong influence in the church. Readings from Romans appear more than 30 times during our three-year lectionary cycle. A powerful passage sits at the heart of Paul’s letter to the Romans . As we examine our lives and follow Christ toward the cross, these verses are a balm and a summons. Paul pushes us to face the hard facts of life—suffering, loss, fear—and then to stand firm in the truth that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. First , there is God’s gift and assurance to us. Paul begins with a simple but life-changing question: If God ...