Our mission statement says a lot about the Foothills Church of Christ.  The statement is simple, yet so profound, it says, “To Love God and Love people because God first Loved us.”  The mission statement is a short version of Matthew 22:37-40.  Jesus said, “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the prophets”. (Verse 40)

     Loving God and glorifying God are plainly taught in Scripture.  Jesus said, “Herein is my Father glorified that you bear much fruit, and so shall you be my disciples” (John 15:8).  Paul wrote, “Unto Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever, Amen.” (Ephesians 3:21)  This work is done through our work and worship to God.  Loving God means that we take His word seriously and love in the same way He does.  To show His love God gave His Son.  What are we willing to give to show our love toward God?

     Loving people is best exemplified in Matthew 25:35-46.  In this section, Jesus talks about feeding Him, giving Him something to drink, clothing Him and visiting Him when He is sick or in prison.  The “righteous” of the text cry out saying, “Lord, when did we see You hungry, thirsty, etc. and not assist you?”  Jesus then proclaims, “as you did not do it to one the least of these, you did not do it to Me.”  Loving people means we love by our actions.  We open ourselves to their pain and suffering.  We love them and bring them to Christ.

     Our motive is also very clear.  God first loved us!  Since, as John 3:16 says, “God so loved the world that He gave His Son”, shouldn’t we respond to that love?  He showed love for our salvation.  We ought to love Him in return and love others enough to bring them to salvation.