Easter 2023 territorial leaders message | The Salvation Army Australia

The Salvation Army has a big vision to see Australia absolutely transformed. And so, we have people all over the country who are committed to loving others, serving others and fighting against injustice.

We have a commitment to transforming lives – one appointment, one meal, one interaction at a time.

This heart for our community and vision for transformation is an outward expression of our love for Jesus. We serve others because of him and with him.

Jesus is our ultimate example of how our love and service should look.

Firstly, he did not discriminate. He loved people from all walks of life. He mingled with people who were deemed societal outcasts, broke social conventions by valuing women, children and foreigners, and didn’t hold back from healing those who sought him. He was humble and continually served others, even when it made life difficult for him.

Secondly, he loved sacrificially. Jesus said, “For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends” (John 15:13, TPT). He allowed himself to be ridiculed, hurt and hung on a cross to die.

Love is costly. And yet the desire is to freely love.

So, I want to honour the Salvos around Australia who give up so much of themselves to love others, without discrimination, with the goal of transforming lives with the love of Jesus.

We live in challenging times. All around us, people are battling rising interest rates and the general cost of living, struggling to find safe and secure homes to live in, working through addictions, experiencing loneliness and more.

As the leader of The Salvation Army Australia, I want to thank everyone who extends love to others around them. Whether it is working or volunteering for a mission movement like the Salvos, or showing kindness to someone in your local community who is having a tough time, thank you.

Showing love brings incredible hope and joy.

How do I know this? Because Jesus spoke that truth, and I experience it in my own life.

“I [Jesus] came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]” (John 10:10b, AMP).

This Easter, as you reflect on the life, death and coming back to life of Jesus, I encourage you to discover how you can enjoy life in abundance through what he has done for you, in you and through you.