Many years ago, I had the privilege of attending a Prayer Breakfast in the British Houses of Parliament, which was attended by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and other Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament and their invited guests.

To this day I have no idea how a humble teacher, at that time living in Southern Africa, received an invitation to attend this special event. Perhaps it was because a good friend and I had the courage to fly below the radar and take a non-racial schoolboy hockey team on a tour of the UK during a time when countries were boycotting South Africa (a story for another day)?

Nevertheless, this event had a significant impact on my life for a variety of reasons.

The Power of Love

I was challenged by the words of the guest speaker, well-known evangelist John Stott, inspired by some of the other speakers at break-out sessions that followed the breakfast, one of whom was a Russian woman who shared how she lived out her faith despite horrific torture by Russian government persecutors; encouraged by the experiences of a leading banker who shared how he lived out his faith despite his high-powered job, and was motivated by a young British youth worker living and working among incredibly challenging communities, who reminded me — and challenged me — that “the power of love must overcome the love of power.”

We look at the world today and wonder how far we have fallen. A pointless war between Russia and the Ukraine that has caused untold pain and suffering to millions of innocent people; the anguish and sorrow of millions in the war between Hamas and Israel that threatens to become a significant regional war; refugee crises impacting many corners of the world; ruthless dictators and egocentric leaders pushing their own barrows and showing little concern and care for the people they are supposed to serve, and the happiness and wellbeing of the global community.

When will our global community speak out against the “love of power” that is causing so much suffering?

I have reflected a lot on the teaching of Jesus and how He modeled love. Some reflections …

Expressing the LOVE of Jesus

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20)

Love God and love your neighbor.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12: 30–31)

Also, Matthew 22: 37–38 Leviticus 19:18

The outpouring of God’s unconditional love and grace.

“The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy:14)

“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:8–10)

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” (2 Peter 1:2)

Also, 1 Peter 4:10

Visionary: carry out God’s will and vision for the church.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart …” (Jeremiah 29: 11–13)

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power: all nations and people of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7: 13–14)

Empowering: equipping people to take God’s unconditional love and grace into the community.

“He gives strength to the weary

And increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,

And young men stumble and fall;

But those who hope in the Lord

Will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

They will run and not grow weary,

They will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40: 29–31)

Also: Ephesians 6: 10–18

Other references to embrace this vision of love: Revelation 21:1–5 — a new Heaven and a new Earth

Joel 2: 28–32 — The day of the Lord

The Barnabas Prayer

I have always been inspired by one of Jesus’ followers, Barnabas, a selfless servant of God, one of the early Christians who shared Jesus’ love with many, and who mentored Paul before he began his global ministry.

Eventually I collated all my research about Barnabas and wrote a book as an encouragement to anyone who desires to spread the love of Jesus.