Dr. Brandon Hayes’ devotion explores our second core value. Each of our 5 core values provide the foundation of how we conduct ourselves and our work at Christian Family Solutions in response to God’s overwhelming love for us.

CORE VALUE #2

We SERVE INDIVIDUALS in need.
We are a partner and resource to the communities we serve, delivering healing, help, and hope.

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love; it’s the only thing that there is just too little of.”

Have you ever heard of these song lyrics before? Although these lyrics were initially written by a relatively unknown songwriter in 1965, a few years later the song became a hit when sung by Dionne Warwick. Although it was written during the 1960’s, clearly a time of racial tension, protests, and assassinations, I believe the words continue to ring true today.

Unfortunately, many of us can appreciate, perhaps on a daily basis, how love and kindness seem to be ever more difficult to find in today’s world. Sadly, we seem to be living in a world full of anger and unforgiving words, suspicion and distrust, and outright hostility. What do we need? Love? The apostle John would agree. In chapters 4 and 5 of 1 John, the apostle John uses the word “love” 32 times and highlights how we can use love to change the world and serve those who are hurting. Specifically, John writes, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.”

One of the truly priceless truths about our Heavenly Father is clearly shown above; He not only loves us, yet His love for us motivated him to take action. How can the example set forth by our God apply to us today, especially at a time when it seems like the world needs love more than ever before? It is my prayer we all can be lights in a dark world and reflect God’s love, the perfect love, through our words and actions. I cannot think of a better opportunity—for those of us who serve individuals who may have been bullied, abused, shunned, or ignored—than to love them and offer them eternal hope.

Prayer:

God in heaven, allow us to see opportunities each and every day to reflect your love for us. Inspire us to take action, showing others love, as you first loved us.

QUESTIONS:

1) How can you use your words and actions today to reflect God’s love to those you serve?
2) How can your “love for others” impact those with whom you serve?