Made in the Image of God, 

 - is that me? is that you? 

- is that all the things I like about myself and the things I don’t like? 

and you?

think over week - all the people you have met been in contact with - those who have been good to meet - made in the image of God? 

those who have made you angry, uncomfortable, irritated, scared, .... image of God? 

- look at your neighbour ... image of God? 

imagine the face of  the world around -  White British, Pakistani, African, Chinese, Eastern European, American - image of God?

you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength

which image of God?

You shall love your neighbour as yourself.

which neighbour? all neighbour’s?  Bingo Hall, Broadwater Hall, car dealers, health centre, bus station,  demolition contractors, motorcise, do we love them all?

the neighbours who use these premises .......   those who we like and those who leave sweet papers and pop cans lying around and the thieves who have targeted our car park  - do we love them? 

‘You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that “he is one, and besides him there is no other”; and “to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength”, and “to love one’s neighbour as oneself”,—this is much more important than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.’ When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ After that no one dared to ask him any question.

why not far? - he understands, he agrees ... intellect not emotion - theory not practice.

Leviticus 19:18 - loving neighbour comes after list of practical measures to care for the poor, to love God - is to love our neighbours and to do it with the heart not just the head, Does our lifestyle express love? does the way we treat people express love? Words are fine but how we behave says much more.

Last week a couple made Wedding vows in here  - test will be in the way they live their lives in the years to come.

Today Elders and Stewards have made Ordination, Induction & Commissioning Promises - sincerity & love will be expressed in the way roles are fulfilled.

Made in the image of God to love and be loved - how far are we from the Kingdom of God?