“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

Dear {{contact.first_name}}, 

Hello! As we look forward to this season of thanksgiving and celebrating Jesus, I'm frequently reminded of how thankful I am for Jesus and for you: the love of God in the body of Christ.

Some of the deepest and most profound relationships I have, I've experienced through His church.

Because of Jesus, we can share His love with each other in a way that is out of this world--literally!

I didn't always used to have a pure, genuine love in my heart for my brothers and sisters in Christ. I used to struggle to be around people and love them because I was hurt by people. Can you relate?

Some of use have been very hurt by others and even by the church. I can relate to both situations, and I'm sorry for what you've gone through.

Jesus was also hurt by people and by the "church" of His day. And then we see God's perfect, unconditional love represented through Him in action.

As our precious, sinless Savior hung on the cross, He prayed. He didn't ask God to save Him from the hurt and the pain; He didn't ask God to protect Him from hurtful people; He also didn't ask God to vindicate Him and do the same to the people that were hurting Him...

“And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”... (Luke 23:34)

This prayer pleased the Father. This request was a perfect reflection of God's heart towards each one of us.

I know I haven't arrived to this type of perfect love in my heart for other people, so it's always a good reminder, no matter what season I find myself in.

God loves people. God loves unity amongst His children.

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)

We are a reflection of Jesus Christ on the earth when we love each other and esteem each other above ourselves.

How do we come to this place? It's certainly not by our own power or purity. We can only do this by the Spirit within us.

“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:” (1 Peter 1:22)

This verse shows us that we can only purify our hearts in a true, genuine way, when we obey the truth through the Spirit's power within us.

As we know the truth and live our lives by it, it will bring us to understand more fully how much God loves us, who He is within us, and it will produce a love for other people that is unlike anything we've ever experienced.

When you know how much God loves you, and come to understand the price He paid so that He could have a personal relationship with you, then your only logical response is to love Him with everything within you.

Understanding God's love leads you to respond with complete surrender; seeking Him and obeying Him in everything you do (Rom. 12:1-2).

This might feel like a lot of pressure is on us to do everything perfectly, but don't worry, that's not what it means.

Remember; don't ever forget; this is why God gave Jesus for us.

Jesus was perfect so that we don't have to be; so that we would have His Word, His Spirit, and His grace to lead us into God's love. He will take care of everything else through our intimate relationship with Him.

“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

The Spirit of God within you is leading you to this place of genuine love for others through a personal relationship with Him.

My precious brothers and sisters, as we enter this season of gratitude and remembering all there is to be thankful for, let's ask God to help us let go of the past; let go of things that are weighing on our hearts and minds; let go of heartbreak and unforgiveness.

God sees the pain you've gone through and He weeps with you as He mends your heart back together.

Invite God into these areas. He will restore you completely, and fill you with perfect love and peace. Trust me, you'll be astonished by how healing His perfect love is.

This truth will not only heal your heart, but it will bring healing to your body, and propel you into God's promises.

Love is how Jesus Christ endured the cross and the people that hurt Him. He had His eyes fixed on how much He loves you (Heb.12:1-3).

Father, I pray for everyone who reads this, that you would open their heart to understand how much you love them, and that your perfect love would lead them to relationship with you, healing and forgiveness in their heart, and a genuine love for the people around them. In Jesus' name. Amen.

I am so grateful for each one of you! Thank you for being a part of this ministry and for allowing us to speak into your lives in this precious way. Greg and I couldn't do this without you--we need you!

As our family, friends, and partners, I'd love to share my Women Arise Workshop Video with you! The event last weekend was so powerful, and God spoke to me personally, and I believe to all the women at the event. We even had a great turnout amidst a true Colorado snowstorm! God is faithful!

I invite you to watch this video and please share it with your friends and family. I believe it's a Word from God for His church in this season.

Lastly, we have some very exciting things coming up for our ministry including an App, Live Bible Studies and Q&A Sessions, Apparel & Accessories, and more! We are always thanking God and asking Him for wisdom and leadership with this ministry, as Greg and I want to be faithful stewards with all that He has given us. Please keep us in prayer as we take the good news of Jesus Christ to those that God leads us to.

Again, thank you, thank you, thank you for being a part of our lives. We love you!

In Awe of Him,
Erin Weisbrodt