Leader: Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.

 Group: Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

      All: Lord, may we see you through love!

Leader: Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Leader: No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

 Group: Anyone who says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.

      All: Lord, may we see you through love! Amen!

         God, we pause this morning to recognize your presence. We have never seen you, God, but you have taught us that in loving each other, you live in us. And when our hearts are filled with your live, we come to know you, and through knowing you, we become whole. Through our worship this morning, may you be glorified, and through knowing you, may we learn to love. Amen

         This week I gave a dollar to a friend who was thirsty for a soda. I smiled at a beggar on the street as I dropped a coin in her hand. I winked at a child who was crying. I know how to give, and I did it well all week long, but this morning I am reminded that all-good gifts come from God. If a smile, a wink, and a small coin are helpful to a few, just think what can happen when we all give to God!

         Lord of Love, Living in love is a concept that is so difficult for us to understand. It is often easier and more natural to organize our lives around our own selfish desires. Breaking that way of thinking is tough but you were an example of a life that lived and breathed love. You gave yourself and call us to do the same. True love is more than just a feeling; it is a consistent attitude of giving ourselves for others and it is only through love that we can truly see you. Teach us to love as you did so that your love would be completed and so we would fully see you at last! In your merciful name we pray.. Amen.