We are looking at my friend Ray Bandi’s pattern for disciple-making through intentional relationships.

• Love
• Pray
• Model
• Teach
• Repeat

Before I get into today’s topic: love, here’s an update on his ablation procedure yesterday, Monday, November 9. Ray wrote:

Doctor said ablation went well. Will get more details later.  I’m feeling well. I’m humbled by the concern of those who prayed for me.  Please thank them.

Yes, thanks to you who prayed. I heard from two of you, and I’m sure others prayed without posting a comment. Now, on to today’s topic: Love. Ray writes:

First, disciple-makers love their disciples just like Jesus loved His disciples. As we read the gospels, we see many ways that Jesus showed His love for His disciples. But one of the key ways was by serving them.  In fact, Jesus told His disciples, “I am among you as the one who serves.” (Luke 22:27) So, that should be the same for us…For example, a few weeks ago, one of the guys I disciple had knee surgery, and he needed someone to walk his dog for the next few weeks. And so, I’ve been walking my friend’s active, crazy dog. That’s what disciple-makers do because we love our disciples in practical ways. – Ray Bandi, emphasis his

A pretty simple concept – simple to understand if not to carry out. It’s been said:

People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. – Theodore Roosevelt

We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too. (1 Thessalonians 2.8, NLT)