8/ 17 - Loving God

 Greetings Church Family

This week, our worship series continues with the theme “Loving God.” That might sound like something we do naturally in worship—but 1 John reminds us that loving God is never just a matter of words, emotions, or even music. It begins with receiving God’s love and allowing it to overflow into love for others.

Our hymn selections this week form a kind of musical sermon. If someone only heard the hymns on Sunday—without the Scripture reading or message—they would still hear the gospel truth of God’s love: where it comes from, what it does in us, and where it sends us.

“We Sing of Your Glory / Tuya Es la Gloria”
This bilingual hymn reminds us that God’s love is for the whole world—not just one language, one culture, or one people. By singing in both English and Spanish, we embody the truth that love crosses every barrier. In worship, this says to our congregation: “You are welcome here. God’s love is for you.” Just as 1 John 4 says God sent His Son into the world, our singing embraces the whole body of Christ.

“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
Charles Wesley’s timeless hymn is a prayer for God’s perfect love to dwell in us. The opening line—“Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heaven to earth come down”—echoes our Scripture: God loved us first and sent His Son. Each verse is a spiritual journey: inviting Christ into our hearts, seeking freedom from sin, and longing for the day when we are “lost in wonder, love, and praise.” This is the essence of loving God—letting His love transform us completely.

“The Gift of Love”
A paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13, this hymn perfectly aligns with 1 John’s message. It reminds us that without love, our words, actions, and even our music mean nothing. As a choir, this is a humbling truth—our voices can be flawless, but if they are not filled with God’s love, they are just noise. Singing this hymn is our prayer that God’s love will shape not only our music but our relationships and service.

“We Are Called”
Our sending hymn is a call to action. Its words—“live in the light,” “act with justice,” “love tenderly”—reflect 1 John 4’s command: If God loves us, we must love one another. This song moves love from an emotion to a mission, sending us into the world as bearers of God’s love, making it visible in real and tangible ways.

One Message, Four Songs:

  • God’s love is for everyone (We Sing of Your Glory).

  • God’s love transforms us (Love Divine, All Loves Excelling).

  • God’s love is the measure of all we do (The Gift of Love).

  • God’s love sends us into the world (We Are Called).

When we sing these hymns, we aren’t just leading worship—we are turning Scripture into sound and allowing love to become music.

Blessings to you all,
Music Tom

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