John 15:12-13 NIV
12“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.”
REFERENCES: Philipians 2: 3-4, 1 Thessalonians 5: 11,Galatians 6:2
Think about a time when a person really bothered you. It could be your friend, sibling, coworker or stranger on the street. In the moment, your emotions were heightened and negative thoughts enslaved your mind. Now think of Jesus. You wonder, how could I be more like Jesus in this moment? God commands all of us to love one another as he has loved us. The greatest example of his love was the sacrifice of Jesus to save us. We become more like Jesus when we are moved with compassion, patience, and grace. This doesn't come naturally to us and therefore we must do the necessary heart work to become all that God called us to be.
If people are our heart, then we need to do the heart work
As Christians we often are encouraged to love others as Christ has loved us. But, how do we do this challenging task? We must meet people where they are and acknowledge their reality. We don’t criticize, ignore or impose our truths on others; for who feels welcomed and loved when approached this way? Knowing where people are coming from, is not a justification to distance ourselves from them, rather it’s an opportunity to guide them to the purpose God created them for.
We serve others because Jesus first served us. His life was an example of what it means to truly lead in love and self-sacrifice, not for his own gain but always for the benefit of others. Therefore our call, as the Church, is to serve people with grace and truth and embrace with encouragement, healing, compassion, and peace.
Philippians 2: 3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
As we carry the message of Jesus, he has called and commissioned us to do the heart work. To meet people where they are despite their upbringing or current circumstances. To serve people whether we agree with them or not, and to commit to opening our hearts and loving them wholeheartedly and unapologetically. Just as Jesus met people where they were, he committed his life to serve others through his ultimate sacrifice so that we too can have life. Our commitment to loving others starts with our commitment to loving God. It’s from a heart anchored to Him that true love overflows.
Think of ways to serve people in your community. Sign up to serve in I Love My City on Saturday, May 21st. Invite a friend for lunch or a family member for dinner and get to know them. In each of these moments, posture yourself to be like Jesus and commit to keeping these people in your heart.
All of you that are already in our database will receive a text this upcoming Thursday from our new text platform. It isn’t spam, it’s really us! This will become a primary way for us to resource, equip, and update you. We encourage you to save this number and opt in for more updates.
VOUS High is youth community of VOUS and we are creating a space for middle schoolers to gather for service every Sunday.
Students will start with worship in the main auditorium and then be dismissed to their junior high space. This will be a moment to connect with other students, hear a message, and then discuss in small groups.
For more information and to RSVP your student, click here
Join us at the annual ILMC Thanksgiving Bash to distribute meal kits and turkeys. Also, bring a chair and cheer on your favorite team at our annual VOUS Bowl.
To serve, click here
Date: Saturday, November 23rd
Time: 9:00AM - 12:30PM
Location: Charles Hadley Park
1350 NW 50th St
Miami, FL 33142
Ready to kick off Thanksgiving with a burst of energy and community? Join us bright and early at Peacock Park for the VOUS 10K Turkey Trot! Whether you're a runner, a walker, or somewhere in between, this is a chance to start your day with some fresh air, great friends, and all-around fun! See you at the starting line!
To sign up for the Turkey Trot, click here
Date: Thursday, November 28th
Time: 6:00AM
Location: Peacock Park
2820 McFarlane Rd.
Miami, FL 33133
On Sunday, December 1st we're bringing our annual Tree Lighting tradition to both our SoMi and Miami Gardens Locations! Sign up to serve and join us for a night of fun! Invite your friends and let's welcome the Christmas season together!
Please note: There will not be a 6PM service at VOUS City. Instead, join us at VOUS Miami Gardens for the 6PM service, followed by the tree lighting celebration.
Date: December 1st
Time: 7:30PM
Location:
VOUS Miami Gardens
17801 NW 2nd Ave
Miami, FL 33169
VOUS SoMi
6767 Sunset Dr
South Miami, FL 33143
To serve, click here
VOUS SoMi
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
10:30AM / 12:30PM
VOUS Design District
10:30AM / 12:30PM
Church Online
10AM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack