Gary Walter

2 Timothy 1:1-6, 2:1-7 When you think about those people you love, I would guess that love is real because of words that have been spoken to you, gifts that were given to you, time that was spent with you, hugs and affection that was given to you, or other things done for you that communicated that you were special. Love is the foundation of all real friendships.

John 11:17-44 Today is a moment to focus on ourselves and let go of what others think about us. We get too distracted on how we think others feel about us. We need to be authentic to be in vital friendships.

1 Samuel 20:1–18 Real friendships are marked by enthusiasm. Who do you need to be more enthusiastic with? What qualities do you need to focus on? Why not change the world and start with one relationship today?

Ruth 1:1-22 To simply state that you are a follower of Christ is not enough. It must be demonstrated in your actions. Healthy relationships are built upon reliability and trust. It is the ultimate proof that you carry Christ's love in your heart. When people discover that you are reliable and can be trusted they will open themselves up to whatever God has to say through you.

Ephesians 2:4-10

1 Corinthians 13 Love requires the formation of character. Love is not just a matter of feelings; feelings come and go, while love abides.

Matthew 22:34-22:46 The greatest commandment, the thing that all Christians should know should live by and should never forget. The thing that should set Christians apart, the thing that the Church should be known for in our society is Love.

Psalm 105:4, Col 2:6 Right towards the end of the Gospel of John, Jesus asks Peter this question: Do you love me? In fact, Jesus doesn't ask it once but three times, and each time Peter answers yes, I love you. Staying in love with God is the primary issue, Bishop Job says, of a faithful life, then and now. That love will be a natural channel of God's goodness, power and presence in the world.

Romans 12:9-21 That is our second rule. Do we remember the first simple rule? Do no harm. The second rule is like the first and is as easy to remember. It is do good. That does sound simple doesn't it? Do good. But what does it really mean? It is easy to remember, but it is much more challenging to put it into practice. Paul spoke about it in Romans 12. He said "love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor" and "Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers." Paul knew because he learned from the example of Jesus, who spent his entire ministry doing good for all the people he encountered. Jesus teaches us to love everyone even our enemies and to do good even to those who persecute you.

Today's simple rule is "do no harm." It seems odd that Wesley would begin with a negatively based rule, by telling us what not to do. However, if we look at the Ten Commandments then we see that most of those rules are do not and shall not. Perhaps John Wesley understood as God understands that we need to be taught what NOT to do first. Do no harm, it seems like a simple thing to do. We don't do anyone any harm. We don't beat up on people, we don't have someone locked in the trunk of our cars. This seems like an easy rule to follow, but is it?