We often say that our church is "the little country church with a big heart." Since the church is comprised of many people coming together, then the heart of the church reflects the heart of the people who call our church home. I suppose a "big heart" means that we are a church overflowing with the love of God. We seek to love God with all our heart and then to love one another too. Love is certainly expressed to those with needs through prayer and gifts. The generosity of our church never ceases to amaze me. We truly have a big heart that often reaches deep into our pockets to help those in need. The "heart" means more than love, for it has become symbolic of who we really are, deep down. It is our character. It is what drives us. It is our DNA that determines what we do and why we do it. An athlete who is full of heart is full of determination and drive. He works hard to reach his goal and win the prize. If he falls down, he gets back up and into the game. How does our "big heart" define us? What is the DNA of our church? Is it that we have a heart for God? How would we know? Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commands." Can we say we have a heart for God if we do not do what He says? Do we have a heart for others? Jesus said, "A new command I give you, love one another." Is our first inclination to run when seeing a need or is it to jump in and do what we can with what we have? We may not be able to help everyone, but we can help someone and if we make a difference in just one person, that is huge in the kingdom of God. A kindness given can go a long way in touching another person's heart. If you were on an ocean liner which came across another ship sinking, would you not want to save as many as possible? We live in a world where many are drowning in the sorrows of life without Jesus. Do we have a heart to reach as many as possible? My hope is that our "big heart" isn't big because we're full of ourselves, but it is big because we have a heart for God and people. A heart that obeys God, prays for others, gives to needs and is not afraid to roll up the sleeves to help or lovingly share the good news to those who are spiritually perishing. That kind of "heart" is by its very nature, a "Big Heart." This is our DNA as a church. Is it yours? Blessings, Pastor Pete