Loving Your Enemies at Verulam Abbey Service

Last week, I had the privilege of speaking at Verulam’s annual Abbey Thanksgiving Service. The focus this year was kindness, which tied in beautifully with Step’s own mini-theme of loving your enemy.

Alongside mentioning my upcoming challenge of wearing an Arsenal shirt on Christmas Day - something that will feel very unnatural for a devoted Spurs supporter - I also reflected on the story of Joseph in the Old Testament. Despite the way his brothers treated him, Joseph responded with love, kindness, forgiveness, and a deep desire for reconciliation. In the photo, I’m holding the gift that contained our multicoloured “Joseph coat” from our Walk Through the Bible lesson, which I ended up wearing for most of the talk. If any photos surface, I’ll be sure to add them here.

I ended by reminding everyone that God has never stopped loving His enemies - humanity - and that through Jesus, He demonstrated love, kindness, forgiveness, and a reconciling heart.

The talk was very well received, but the true highlight for me was watching many of the boys from our lunchtime group and our Leadership Foundations course step forward with confidence to give speeches, readings, and prayers.

Geoff