Nate Holdridge

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A Picture of Love (John 13:35)

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35).


The seat cushions spoke to me most. There I was, early on a Sunday morning, watching an elementary school cafeteria undergo an operation. Volunteers -- servants -- systematically turned it into a place for worship. They made it their own.

They took black drapes and hung them around the perimeter of the room, a way to cover the coming student government election posters. A table near the entrance, covered by a tent, served as a hospitality area. Coffee was brewed. Donuts were purchased. A long corridor made of PVC pipe and more black curtains created a private hallway entrance for parents who'd just dropped their kids off at kids' church. Another table inside had Bibles, information, and signup forms. To the left and right of the stage, small tables with the bread and cup were staged for the taking of communion. The sound and worship teams worked to get their sound just right. It would be a hot day, and there is no air-conditioner, so a massive fan whirled in the corner, cooling off the room before service began.

And, on the metal chairs, were cushions. An elder had realized how uncomfortable sitting on those metal chairs would be. Rather than rebuke people for being soft, he made their chairs softer. After acquiring the cushions, he made a rolling storage unit for them. With care, the volunteers rolled them out, placing a cushion on each seat.

When the church service was completed, the entire process reversed itself. The church sanctuary returned to cafeteria status.

I know what I saw. It was love. Here, a group of people, humbly, with attention to detail, trying to love their community and one another. Showing up early. Staying late. Following detailed instructions. Trying hard. It was all love.

I think Jesus likes what He saw.