I learned tonight that the word integrity derives from the same word for integer, a whole number. If we have integrity, we’re not fragmented, one way around a certain group or on a certain day and another way with a different group or on a different day. We’re always the same. Who we are in the spotlight is the same as who we are in the dark when we think no one sees. Who we are matches what we profess to believe and how we live matches what we say we believe.

I think that only love that is radical and unconditional will change the world. Not the generic love of Hallmark or those sappy movies on Lifetime. Only love that lays down its life and serves the beloved will grab the world’s attention. Only love that blesses the ones who curse and goes the extra mile and turns the other cheek will cause people to notice.

That kind of love can’t be self-generated. I can’t possibly love like that. All I, or anyone else, can do is receive that love from God and let it flow through me. The best kind of love is when God loves His people through His people. When I am filled past what I can receive and the overflow reaches those around me.

If we are already victorious and the battle is already won in Christ, why are so many living defeated lives? Where is the joy? If we’ve been shown grace, why do we turn around and give people a bunch of rules to follow? I wish I knew.

I do know that fellowship and community are beautiful things to behold. Believers gathered together in the name of Jesus and loving each other are a powerful witness to the transforming love of Jesus. No other force or power or personality could bring people together like that.

So what? The more we give Jesus room to work, the more amazing things He will do in and through us. All He needs is a place to start, as Mike Glenn once said. Let our hearts be your starting point in the days to come.

Amen and amen.