by Colonel Steven Howard
Chief Secretary
When I considered the contents of this issue of Central Connection, I began to recognize that there is an underlying theme that love is a many splendored thing. Within the articles you will find much evidence of the spirit of love within our territory. Of course, “Love is a Many Splendored Thing” is the name of a song recorded by Andy Williams, which I can hear playing in my head, and a 1955 film that I have never seen. Love truly is a many splendored thing. The dictionary definition of splendored includes “having magnificent features or qualities.” The song talks about love between a man and a woman, but I want to explore the love of God.
The love of God is a many-splendored thing. There are so many magnificent features and qualities about God, and there is no way to comprehend it all with our finite, human minds. We can only begin to scratch the surface of God’s love as we try to understand it.
In 1 John 4:16 (NIV) we read, “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God and God in them.” God is love, and as we read scripture, we come to realize that love is not just a quality of God but is the very essence of His being. When we sing, “Come, let us all unite to sing: God is love,” we are singing theology. He has expressed that love in so many ways: in creation, by sending His Son to die for us, by forgiving us, by giving us what we need to sustain life, in the promise of eternal life, and so many more things. How could we do anything else but return that love to Him and also to love others?
For Christians, love is a result of our relationship with God. It is an outgrowth of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. In scripture, the description of the fruit of the Spirit starts with love. We love others because God is love and He is living in us. Love is the ultimate expression of us becoming more like Jesus. It is evidence of our faith.
As I conclude my service in the Central Territory and as an active officer, I must say that Janice and I have enjoyed our time here. We have grown to know and love the people of the Central. We want the best for you as you continue to follow Jesus. I pray that you will become more and more like Him in your love for each other and especially for those who are unloved. May the Fruit of the Spirit flow from your life.
