A Place at the Table

  Beloved, let us love one another,

 because love is from God; 

And each one who loves

 has been begotten from God 

and knows God.

1 John 4:7

One quick look at this photo raises thoughts of romance culminating in a commitment to a lasting love. 

But there is more to this photo than a wedding. To begin with, the groom is a former member of my Vermont youth group. He grew up in the church and lived out Jesus' teachings in his life and among his friends. Beyond Sunday School, he went on several mission trips in NYC and Albany, NY. where he helped work with the hungry and homeless.

After Graduation from college, he got an internet security job in California, where this wedding took place. The depth of his love can be seen at the two men on his left. One, who lives in Vermont, has a minimum wage job and couldn't afford coming to the wedding. The groom paid for his flight, ground transportation, and housing. That's how he got a place at the table. 

God is love. God is the source and the definition of love. In 1 John 4:7 the love that is being talked about is agape. Agape is the highest form of love because it is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. Agape love is demonstrated through actions. 

God's love, active through Jesus Christ, tells us that there is a place at the table for each of us, unconditionally. 

When the table is set with bread and wine, and the invitation is given, God's agape love says, "Come, there is a place for you."