Alva Review-Courier -

This month we celebrate Valentine’s Day. This is a day when we show love to those around us in various ways. Love is something that should be a part of everyday life. Is it part of your everyday life?

This month at Cedar Grove we will work through the book of Ruth. This is a great book to study as we consider the many aspects of love. Two of the key themes of Ruth is kindness and redemption. Both are aspects of love that Christ showed to us and expects us to show to others. When we do not show these aspects, and others, we become ruthless. Don’t be ruthless.

We can show kindness and we know what that means. It is something that many of us show every day without hesitation. That is great! But what does it mean to show redemption? Part of the definition of redemption is to discharge an obligation. Another part is to ransom, free or rescue by paying a price. We know that Jesus did that for us by dying on the cross for our sins. We understand that part of the definition of redemption.

But do we truly show it to others? Do we forgive them if they have hurt us? Do we seek forgiveness if we have hurt someone? Do we discharge an obligation? We can redeem our neighbor as well as someone in our family by forgiving them. Ephesians 4:32 tells us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

Spiritual redemption can only come through Jesus. That is what each of us needs and should seek. This is done by confessing your sins and repenting, or turning away from what you do. That may be a lifestyle that you are living in that is sinful or thoughts that you may have.

We must repent and ask for forgiveness and allow Jesus into our hearts and allow Him to have control of our lives. If you have not done that, do it today!