My grandfather passed away this week. He was 87 years old. He lived a good life, and he loved Jesus. I spoke at his funeral and shared a conversation he and I had years back, as I was beginning to plant churches. During this conversation, he wanted to make sure that I was preserving the Gospel: the good news that Jesus is alive and that He loves me and you.  

Over the years, I have seen loss-- some of it expected as part of the cycle of our lives here on earth. Other deaths, unexpected as I witnessed family members taken well before their "time."  

These deaths always make me think. What matters in life as we pursue all of our dreams in employment, relationships, what we want for our children, etc.? I watched these cherished members of our family pass on to heaven and wonder: what are they thinking? Were the goals and aspirations worth it here on earth? Or do they now realize that something else is more important? 

Don't we all have questions for Jesus?  

"Why didn't you heal everyone when you where on earth?" 

"You never got in trouble as a kid...really?" 

"Why do bad things happen to good people?"

And then we have our doctrines that we hold onto, all the things that make up the differences through our factions of faith (Methodist vs. Presbyterian vs. Baptists vs. Church of God, etc.). Do all these differences hold light to life on the other side, standing before His presence?  

Paul said it years ago in 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 (NIV):

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Love remains in spite of our not knowing. Love remains in our inability to understand the complexities of loss, purpose, meaning. Love remains.  

John quoted Jesus saying: 

"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." 
- John 13:35 (NLT)

I believe that we are doing the best we can on this side of heaven, but when we get there, we will know our love for others is what really matters. Find time this week to show that love. The Gospel is so important. One of my favorite quotes is from St. Francis of Assisi: "Preach the Gospel often. Use words when necessary"  

Until next time: lean into Jesus. Take time to listen to the words from the group Sanctus Real from Ohio, with their song "This is Love."