CCY Connect february EDITIoN 2025

Even if you don’t know the verse of its origin, you’ve likely heard the term “love thy neighbor” in reference to biblical doctrine. This particular phrasing comes from the King James Version of the Bible in Matthew 22:39: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” This seems straightforward enough, but how often are we actually following the Lord’s commandment as He commands it?This is far from the only verse that mentions the act of loving your neighbor. So, are we truly loving our “neighbors” in the way God intended for biblical love to be demonstrated?

The modern social understanding of a neighbor is someone who shares a community with another person, which is similar to the Old Testament understanding. The Israelites believed that the term neighbor referred only to their own people, even extending this concept into law. In Leviticus 19:18 (ESV), we see specific language:

“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people.”

However, Jesus sought to extend the meaning of neighbor to all people. This is evident not only in His teachings, such as in Matthew 5:43-48 (ESV)—a passage that redefines the Israelites' understanding of loving one’s neighbor and hating one’s enemies—but also through His works. The significance of Jesus' actions is recorded in many books of the Bible, demonstrating that love and compassion cannot be limited to one's own kind but must be extended to everyone we encounter.

It makes sense that Jesus would teach love for all people. However, in such a divisive world, love has seemingly lost its meaning. Some believe that love means allowing all things to happen without consequence, while others believe love requires a firm hand. Yet, the Bible is clear about what real love is.

One of the most well-known passages about love, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NKJV), defines love clearly:

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

This passage provides a powerful depiction of love, but it represents only one side of love in action. If we take this passage alone into the world, it may lead to an incomplete understanding of biblical love. The devil thrives on misinterpretation, exploiting any opportunity to lead us astray. James 1:15 (NLT) warns us about this:

“These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.”

For love to be truly biblical, it must also reject sin. Jude 1:22-23 (NLT) encapsulates this perfectly:

“Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. But do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.”

Together, these verses illustrate that biblical love is both a demonstration of mercy and a judgment of sin.

Putting Biblical Love Into Practice

Translating this into real life is challenging, especially when we struggle to find the balance between mercy and judgment. It becomes even more difficult when we are called to love our “enemies.” Although this is a hard task, God would not have called us to it if it were impossible.

One way to practice biblical love is by using our judgment without being judgmental. Being judgmental of others is called out in the Bible as hypocrisy. However, this does not mean that God does not want us to use judgment. Discernment is a holy gift that allows us to distinguish between right and wrong, enabling us to leave the ultimate judgment to God. As Matthew 7:1-5 reminds us, only God can judge the true heart of a person.

Another way to deepen our biblical love is to pray for those who hurt or wrong us. This may feel difficult, but by praying for them, we show love and faith that God will take care of our grief. Luke 6:27-35 speaks to this calling:

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

Looking at Jesus’ life offers us the perfect example of love. While we cannot love perfectly as Jesus did, the Bible promises this: “God is love, and all who live in love live in God” (1 John 4:16).

Conclusion

The Bible tells us plainly what love is and demonstrates how to put it into action. Love means showing unconditional compassion to all people, regardless of their circumstances, while rejecting sin. Where love is present, the devil cannot thrive. Although it is difficult for us as flawed human beings, we can love one another as God intended—through the love that Jesus first showed us.

As February rolls around, hearts and flowers begin to decorate every store window, and love seems to fill the air. Valentine’s Day often reminds us to express our love to those closest to us. But as beautiful as earthly love can be, it’s a mere reflection of the perfect love God has for each of us.

In 1 John 4:7-8, we are reminded,

“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.”

These powerful words remind us that love is not just something God does—it’s who He is.

This Valentine’s season, take a moment to reflect on God’s unfailing, unconditional love. It’s a love that never fades, never wavers, and never gives up. Romans 8:38-39 tells us that nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate us from God’s love. His love is steadfast, patient, forgiving, and sacrificial, as shown through the ultimate act of love: Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

As we celebrate love this month, let’s strive to reflect God’s love in our relationships. Whether it’s with family, friends, neighbors, or even strangers, we have the opportunity to love others because God first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Here are some ways to share God’s love this February:

• Write a note of encouragement: Take time to send a heartfelt message to someone who may need a reminder of how much they’re loved by God and by you.
• Serve others: Look for ways to meet a need, whether by volunteering at church, preparing a meal for someone, or simply offering your time to listen.
• Pray for those around you: Lift up friends, family, and your community in prayer, asking God to reveal His love to them.

No matter how you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, remember that the greatest love story ever written begins with God and ends with eternity. His love is the ultimate Valentine, written on our hearts through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

This month, let’s celebrate the love that never fails and share it with the world around us.

Imagine a week with no distractions—no electronics, just a time to focus on what really matters. Each day starts and ends with praising God, diving into His Word, and then spending countless hours outdoors with friends, either swimming, playing games, or enjoying time around a campfire. I don’t know about you, but to me this sounds pretty wonderful.

Last year, I had the privilege of taking a group of 1st-5th graders to Camp Sooner, located in Pink, Oklahoma (just an hour away!), where we got to do just that. Our first visit to camp was an unforgettable experience, and I can confidently say that we all fell in love with it. Our kids grew spiritually, and in their friendships with one another. It was an awesome week that we still talk about today!

After that amazing experience, our church decided to become a member church of Camp Sooner. This membership has opened up several great opportunities for our families:

• Discounted camp rates for our kids to attend each summer
• Discounts on renting the camp for church events or retreats
• An opportunity to be more involved in the planning and development of what camp will look like for our children each year

One of the ways Camp Sooner raises funds to maintain and improve their facilities is through annual fundraisers. The first event this year is Swadley’s Night, and I’d love to invite you all to participate! It’s a simple, delicious way to support this wonderful ministry.

Here’s how it works:

On February 25th, from 5:00-8:00 pm, head over to Swadley’s BBQ in Bethany (4000 N Rockwell Ave) for a meal. A portion of the proceeds from that evening will go directly to Camp Sooner, helping them with the upkeep and upgrades needed to keep providing amazing experiences for kids.

I hope you’ll join me in supporting Camp Sooner this year. Whether your child has attended camp before or this will be their first time, Camp Sooner offers an unforgettable opportunity to grow in faith, build friendships, and enjoy God’s creation. Let’s continue to support this amazing place and make sure it remains a place where kids can experience the love of God and create lifelong memories.

See you at Swadley’s!

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

• 🗓 March 18-19
• 🚗 Carpool Departure: 5:30 PM
• 📍 Destination: Wichita Mountains (Doris B Campsite)
• 💰 Cost: $5 per person (Max $20 per family)
• 🔥 Campfire 🥾 Hiking 🍴 Great Food 🤝 Fellowship

Join us for a weekend of adventure and connection in the great outdoors! Gather your family and friends, and don’t miss this opportunity to relax, bond, and enjoy God’s creation.