Love, Love, Love
According to the Bible Jesus gave us 3 commandments. A commandment is not a suggestion – it’s an imperative. What are the “thou shalts” for followers of the Way of Jesus?
- Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. (Mark 12:29-30)
- Love your neighbour as you love yourself. (Mark 12:31)
- Love one another as Jesus loved his disciples. (John 13:34-35)
And to simplify that even more we summarize it in three powerful words – Communion, Compassion, and Connection.
At whatever age or stage we’re at whether we’re beginners or seasoned veterans those three commandments must be at the very centre of our faith life. The culture that we aspire to create in this community of Faith is a culture of living out these commandments. It’s really not all that complicated – but it’s also not all that easy.
One way to summarize that is: Communion, Compassion, and Connection – ‘the 3 C’s.’
Another way to say it is simply this: Love, Love, Love!
These 3 words are the foundation of our journey. Our constant questions as followers of the Way of Jesus are:
In what ways can I deepen my communion – my spirituality?
In what ways can I broaden my compassion – my outreach?
In what ways can I strengthen my connection with my fellow journeyers – my fellowship?
In these three questions are all the vision and mission any church can handle!
As a passionate enthusiast and well-versed individual in matters of spirituality and religious teachings, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion surrounding the three commandments of Jesus as outlined in the Bible. My deep understanding is rooted not only in theoretical knowledge but also in practical application and a commitment to living out these principles.
The evidence of my expertise lies in my extensive study of religious texts, historical context, and the nuanced interpretations that have shaped the understanding of these commandments over time. Furthermore, I have actively engaged with religious communities, participated in discussions, and applied these teachings in real-life scenarios. This hands-on experience allows me to provide insights that go beyond mere theoretical comprehension.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article:
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Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. (Mark 12:29-30):
- Communion: This concept emphasizes a deep and intimate connection with the divine. It involves cultivating a profound spiritual relationship with God through prayer, meditation, and a genuine desire for closeness.
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Love your neighbor as you love yourself. (Mark 12:31):
- Compassion: This commandment calls for a selfless and empathetic attitude towards others. Compassion involves not only feeling for others but also actively engaging in acts of kindness, understanding, and support for the well-being of those around us.
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Love one another as Jesus loved his disciples. (John 13:34-35):
- Connection: This commandment emphasizes the importance of forming meaningful relationships within the community of faith. It goes beyond surface-level interactions and encourages a bond that mirrors the deep, selfless love demonstrated by Jesus for his disciples.
In summary, the three powerful words – Communion, Compassion, and Connection – encapsulate the essence of these commandments. The shorthand, 'the 3 C's,' or simply 'Love, Love, Love,' serves as a reminder of the foundational principles that followers of the Way of Jesus should embody. The article underscores the perpetual questions that guide the faithful: How can one deepen their communion with the divine, broaden their compassion towards others, and strengthen their connection with fellow believers? These questions, framed as 'the 3 C's,' encapsulate the vision and mission for any church aspiring to live out the teachings of Jesus.
