So, it’s Valentine’s weekend and what should we do? We are in a pandemic and not able to have big gatherings, but small gestures mean a lot! Let’s think about how we can love our neighbors this weekend! We are having two of our grandsons spend the night so their parents can have a date night. I am planning to make several food items in the shape of hearts and decorated for Valentine’s Day. I’m going to make banana bread and some rolls for tonight. I’m also going to make some cookies with jam in the shape of hearts. For breakfast tomorrow, I plan to bake eggs and bacon in heart shaped muffin tins. I also want to send some messages to people feeling lonely and people I love.

What does God want us to do this weekend? Let’s think about it together!

Ritu and Reena in Chandigarh had a tea with domestic helpers in the neighborhood from other faiths who normally would never have tea served to them! They were overwhelmed – Reena shared Matthew 11:28 with them – Jesus’ words to give them rest – she had them share something good about the person on their right, and then they shared their needs and they prayed for one another. What a wonderful way to love her neighbors! Noticing people that are often overlooked.

Who is overlooked in your neighborhood? What if we thank all the delivery people who are working hard and people who clean our buildings? Who else can we encourage in our community?

This morning I read Isiah 61:1-3:

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,
² to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeanceof our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
³     and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crownof beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.

1. What do we learn about God from this passage?
2. What do we learn about people?
3. What stands out to you?
4. What would God want you to do this week?

Let’s encourage one another to do what He tells us to do!

Hebrews 10:24 says:

²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,

Have a good weekend and let’s go out and love our neighbors!

HAPPY Valentine’s Day!

For more ideas, see this link: https://fourwalls.rentler.com/2016/02/13/28-ideas-for-sending-neighbors-valentines-day-love/