There is a saying, “You scratch my back and I’ll scratch your back.” This means, if you do something for me, I will do something for you. Can you imagine saying that to God, “Now if you do this for me, then I will praise you and give thanks, but if you don’t do this for me, it is over. I will not love you with all of my heart, soul, and being. When we are in a relationship, it is not about, do this for me, or do that for me, to make a good relationship. It is about giving not taking, loving not being loved, helping not being helped, caring not having someone care for you. For any good relationship is about loving, giving, sharing, and supporting, and not wanting anything in return. A good relationship is a verb—it is action, for actions always speak louder than words. A good relationship is never about what can I get out of it or if you scratch my back—I’ll scratch yours. A good relationship is about giving and not expecting anything in return. This holds true for our relationship with God. As people of God, we do what God wants us to do, never expecting anything in return. We place our trust in God. We believe in the two great commandments (Matthew 22:37-39) “And he (referring to Jesus) said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And the second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Today, as we go forth, let us remember what our Lord has called us to do and to be. Let us do all things in love, kindness, patience and self-control. It is something to think about. God Bless. Amen.