This Month’s Theme:
Abound In Love

And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:14

Artist’s Reflection

Part of my work is seeing everyday life through a “spiritual” lens, so I like to play with the contrast between the sacred and normal life to show this. In this drawing, the sacred is reflected in the clouds, which point us towards heaven, while the table gathering is an everyday thing. Jesus, with His back facing us, is the glue holding these two elements together.

When I was drawing this month’s illustration on the theme of relationships, I asked my friends what came to mind when they thought of “relationships”—I received different insights, which eventually led me to think about a church potluck. We’ve all had these lovely memories of meeting with everyone at a table, eating, chatting about life, and thanking Jesus. We take simple gatherings like these for granted, but I believe something special happens at these events. A bond made out of love is formed, binding us together in unity.

—Mariajimkur

Join in the Conversation

Pull up a chair, breathe in the aromas of the delicious meals, and take a look at the group of people around you. 

There’s the recent divorcee, the young graduate figuring out life, and the elderly couple with failing health. We may have nothing in common with each other,  but each of us has been personally sought out and invited by Jesus to gather at His table.  So take a seat, open up your heart, and share in the highs and lows of our lives, as He covers us with His love.

Love is a strong bond that unites us all (Colossians 3:14). We may not always love perfectly, but as we feast at Jesus’ table, we will abound in His love and learn to love as He did.

Come, pull up a chair, your Father is calling. 

This month, we’re looking at what it means to abound in love. Does it mean generously loving only those who love us? Or does it mean being loving even to those who have done us wrong? How can we abound in love with each other at all times? 

If you have got a story to share, we’d love to hear it! Check out our writers’ guidelines and send us your story.

Here are some subthemes to help you get started: 

  • A bond that lasts
  • Putting on the cloak of love
  • Standing in unity

Topics to Explore

Building a bond that lasts
One in Christ, the power of forgiveness and grace, learning to love unconditionally, bearing with one another, enduring injustice, honouring one another, the gift of vulnerability, living with a view of eternity, building on the foundation of Christ’s love.

Putting on the cloak of love 
Loving even when it’s inconvenient, speaking the truth in love, being merciful, covering the wounds and pain of others, stretching ourselves in love, growing in compassion, walking in love (exercising patience, kindness, humility).

Standing in unity
United in prayer, standing firm in “one spirit”, huddling together in a time of crisis, looking past differences, resolving conflicts, walking in wisdom, putting the needs of others before ourselves, reaching out to the unseen and forgotten.

Join in the Fun

If you’re more of a visual person, you can be a part of the YMI community by contributing or tagging your artworks with our hashtag #ymitoday. Check out our creatives’ guidelines and send us your artworks.

We know you love your colours, so do we! Each quarter, we set a colour theme that we’ll work around. Use the colour palette below to increase your chances of getting featured!