Faith

Humility and Service

Jesus taught greatness through service - the Son of Man came to serve, not be served.

first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering (Matthew 5:23-24).

Pursue peace on purpose - repair, truth in love, de-escalation - not just staying quiet.

Jesus told believers not to stack worry on food, clothes, or tomorrow - the Father already feeds birds.

Jesus opened the Sermon on the Mount with eight blessings - a picture of who the kingdom favors.

Put God's rule first and let food, status, and tomorrow's worry sort behind that.

Extend the forgiveness already received, not ledger-keeping on debts Christ cleared.

Love your enemies - bless, pray, reflect the Father who sends rain on just and unjust alike.

Treat people how you want to be treated - active care, not just avoiding harm.

Love others the way you would want care if roles flipped - second command, paired with loving God.

First command, whole self - heart, mind, strength, not a corner of Sunday morning.

What Jesus taught that doesn't expire when the culture shifts - love God, love people, forgive, seek the kingdom first.

Eternal life is Christ's gift received by faith alone, not wages for commandments, principles, or good works.

On May 8, 2020, Pia and I found out she was pregnant and gave birth to our son the same day. Years later, that sentence still doesn't feel real.