We began tonight reading Matthew 22:37-39..."Love your neighbor as yourself."

We began to ask WHY though?  Why love your neighbor?  Yes we know its a commandment, 

but do we ever do anything we are commanded to do if thats the motivation?  When we are commanded as children to clean our rooms, yes we do it, but do we keep up with it.  Yes its a commandment but perhaps there's more behind this when it comes to motivation. 

So before we can answer, WHY love your neigbhor, we asked the question WHY did Jesus come to die?

We did this  through music, reflection, poetry written by one of the teens gathered, another teen sharing their story of how making a decision to follow Christ has changed their life. Candles gleamed and the atmosphere was just right. The Cross stood tall as a great reminder of sacrifice. 

A short video challenged us to think

Do you remember the moment you loved God with all your heart?

Do you remember the moment when you "got it", when you first realized you loved God with all your heart, mind and soul?

Teens where challenged and asked if you "got it"  have you ever taken the first step to go public with your belief and be baptized?  

So where did this all lead us to?  WHY love your neighbor?  WE asked why were our small group leaders here?  Do they have an agenda?  Is there a checklist of good deeds they have to do and one of them is spend time encouraging teens on Wednesdays?  Do they just look at the teens as a "project?"    OR is there another motivation than just commandment.

For our leaders its Love.  First their love for God in response to what God did for them. They "got it"  they know why Jesus came to die and they desire to show our teens God's love and share His story with them. 

Love is a great motivator.  WE love, because HE first loved us. 

Leaders took time with their small groups and shared their story of how making a decision to follow Chirst has changed their lives. 

And that love motivates them to be here every Wednesday at 2t2, showing the Love of Christ and sharing His story with our teens.... and thats what makes twotwenty2 a great community. ..