This Sunday marks the 281st anniversary of what is often called John Wesley’s conversion experience. It wasn’t his conversion to the Christian faith but more of an awakening of his soul and spirit which led to the movement of Methodism. Listen as our Bishop, Julius Trimble, shares about this day here…
I love that thought: “Do you know, that you know, that you know?” That is what John Wesley’s experience did for him. It gave him an assurance of God’s love and forgiveness. There is a knowing that goes beyond the head. In fact, the most important information we retain in life is what is in our hearts. What we experience in our hearts is known not because we understand or even agree with something, but because that truth has captured us fully: mind, emotion and will.
I’m surprised whenever I hear lifelong Christians say, “I’ve always believed in God but I didn’t know I could have a relationship with God.” That is what Christ came to bring, the knowledge that God is not to be feared but befriended. God desires to be known and experienced not just understood.
Perhaps you can think of a time when you were trying to help share something important with someone you love and that person says, “I understand.” That’s better than the opposite for sure! But how much better is it when they say, “I know.” God doesn’t just want us to understand that God loves us. God wants us to know it!
You are loved!
Happy Aldersgate Day!