Brian Moon ~ Love First Moment

Good morning! I'm Brian Moon, and I am Love First.

One of my favorite lines is from the prayer of St. Francis. It's the one that goes "For it is in giving that we receive"…

Unfortunately, in our daily lives, we often think more about receiving than giving, and we are consumed with receiving love rather than giving love. We ask "what's in it for me" rather than "how can I help or love you".

We want to BE loved, and we try to make ourselves attractive so others will love us. We do favors for others hoping that they will return the favor someday.

We also will pray to God for good things to happen to us, like winning the lottery, rather than expressing our love and gratitude to God. I remember that a friend of mine had a poster that said "pray for snow" so he could go skiing!

But loving God and loving each other unconditionally is imperative to living a fulfilling life because when we love, it is impossible to hate. And hatred, as we all know, fills us with anger, resentment, violence and it is self destructive.

On the other hand, giving to our church, families, friends, and especially God as an expression of gratitude and love, fills us with a sense of peace and happiness.

My mother told me that when you are feeling down and sad, the best cure is to volunteer yourself to help someone in need. This not only takes your mind off of your problems, but it gives you a spiritual lift — a sense that you are doing the right thing.

We call upon you to give of your time, donations, and talents to express your love and gratitude to God and to your church and we thank you for all you do.

I'm Brian Moon, and I am Love First.

Stewardship Minute