Demonstrating Love

The New Year is a time when many world leaders produce a message incorporating their hopes for the future. This year, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, gave his first New Year’s message. It came from his visit to a “Church Urban Fund” project, where the Church of England seeks to help the poor and disadvantaged, especially in city centres.

The Archbishop explained why it was right for Christians to be involved in such projects: “Christians speak out and act on poverty and social justice because they have received the love of God and want to share it with others.” There are many who are concerned with social issues, but for a Christian there is this deeper motive. Jesus loved me so much that he died on Good Friday for me. If I really love him, can I avoid showing his love to others who are in need.

Our prayer at St Paul’s for 2014 is both that we may be able to share the news of the love of Christ with others by what we say – but also by what we do.