"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things." (Phil. 4:8)
February is the month we celebrate Valentine's Day. It is a special day when we are called to share true love, as God loves the world (1 Peter 4:8).
My wife and I always have a plan for this day. We remember great moments and look through some of our oldest pictures as we reflect on our lives. This time, our minds go back to our first meeting. However, there are so many ways we can show love for one another.
I believe LOVE is an action and a word that comes from the depths of our hearts and minds. Love is not only what we say to someone but also what we do. True love is shown through action, as Jesus died on a cross for us. If we show our love to one another, it is great because that is how God loves the world (John 3:16). I encourage the congregation to celebrate this day by loving everyone created in the image of God.
As an African, I thank God and the bishops of the Global Methodist Church's episcopacy council for deciding to hold the 2026 General Conference in Africa. When I heard that, I thanked God and the GMC for the love we share with all who belong to this denomination and for the fact that our love for one another is unlimited.
Through the GMC's decision to hold the General Conference in Africa, I saw it as a great sign of love, because all races are to be included in Christ Jesus, especially in my country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, where many people were rejected and labeled as dissidents for leaving for other denominations. The General Conference in Africa is a sign of great joy and love as we prepare for it. It shows that in the GMC, we practice love for one another without judging one another's opinions or races. When Jesus told Peter to take care of His sheep, it wasn't only those who were with Him in Israel but all the sheep in the world (John 21:15-17).
As we celebrate Valentine's Day, I pray that we all show our love to God by loving one another from our hearts, not just from our lips, regardless of condition or background. Whatever we do, do it with the love that we have experienced with God for many years. I also pray that, as God's beloved, we extend His love by providing positive feedback and encouragement for people near and far, as an extension of God's love. Praying for one another is a way to show our love for others, as God calls us to pray for one another.
Love is not only what we say to someone but also what we do!
