Yesterday we reflected on the beauty of embracing life’s full circle—the sacredness of being present as a loved one passes from this life into glory. But today, I want to shift the lens and ask a harder question:

Are we loving fully before that moment comes?

This morning, my brother in Christ, Peter, shared something that stirred my spirit. He reminded me that none of us is promised tomorrow. Any one of us could be called home today. With the loss I have had this year from my Father, to three brothers in Christ, Charles Francis, Joe Pellett and Felix Adame, it hit me - hard.

We don’t get to choose the moment heaven’s gate opens. But we do get to choose what we do before it does.

Jesus said:

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

— John 15:12

That’s not casual love. That’s not “I’ll get to it later” love. That’s sacrificial, radical, urgent love. It’s hugging tighter. Forgiving faster. Speaking truth in love. Showing up when it’s inconvenient. Encouraging, lifting, blessing, and covering one another—because soon, our time will be up.

So today, let’s not just count the cost—let’s count the moments. Don’t leave any love unspoken. Don’t let your family or your brothers wonder where they stood. Love like Christ loves you—to the full.

Because when we stand before heaven’s gate, let it be said of us:

We left nothing on the table.

-Rev Carlos Figueroa