"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Ephesians 5:1-2
We are back in the Dominican Republic after a wonderful visit to the States. This time was different because we didn't travel, but instead took some time to re-charge and fill up before participating in a summer that will require a lot of "pouring out". It's on our hearts to share a particular moment with you all that really reminded us of the lifestye we're called to live.
On May 8th, 2010, Will's sister, Lucy, got married to a man named Rory. The wedding day in itself was a time of celebration, but beyond that, the focus of their wedding gave us something to celebrate that lasts longer than a lifetime. The scripture they chose to read that day was from Ephesians 5:1-2: "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." After hearing this scripture, we looked into the footnotes of our NIV Bible and it says that the "love" Paul is referring to in this letter is "a love that goes beyond affection to self-sacrificing service." It's so easy to sit at a wedding and focus on the affection part of love and forget about the self-sacrificing love displayed by Christ as he came and made the ultimate sacrifice for His bride, the church. We are so grateful that Lucy and Rory remained focused on the love Paul talks about in Ephesians. Their first act as a married couple was to serve communion to each other and all those around them. They went beyond looking into each others' eyes with affection and rolled up their sleeves and served "the church". Thank you Lucy and Rory for your faithfulness to the gift of marriage and the example of true love that God has given to us.
This was a great reminder of how we're supposed to serve in a self-sacrificing manner all those that we come in contact with this summer. We have the privilege of hosting multiple short-term mission groups for 10 straight weeks this summer. Please pray that we too will stay true to the love that Paul is speaking of. Let us all strive to be imitators of God!
Lucy, Jack and Rory Lekites
