Love in Action
OPENING PRAYER:
Jesus, open our eyes to what you have to tell us today.
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)
REFLECT:
Last year, on Christmas Eve, my family observed the sacrament of communion together as we listened to a short message from a favorite writer, Emily P. Freeman. Emily spoke of Jesus and his love and sacrifice and, in the middle of her message, she said that Jesus lived with “no agenda but love.”
That phrase stuck with me so much that I made it my “theme” for 2021. With every action, every decision, every conversation, I try to make it a focus to let love be the theme of my life and focus of my heart.
This is not easy and some days I do an absolutely terrible job, but attempting to focus on how Jesus lived out love has been incredibly enlightening and has brought about immense growth.
APPLY:
We are called to recognize God’s love in our lives and to live out the love of Christ with one another. That love is not just an emotional love, but one that requires action. (If you’re a dc Talk fan, you’ll recognize the phrase that “love is a verb!”) So, how are you putting the love in your life into action?
There are lots of ways to do this within the walls of your church, home, and workplace, but there are also a plethora of ways to love others out in the midst of your community. Take time to research and seek out organizations that are doing work that lines up with your passions and see how you can use your time, talent, and treasure to live love out loud.
CLOSING PRAYER:
God, help me take time to reflect today on how loved we all are and the example that Jesus has set for me today. Spirit, guide me to the ways that I can live love in action.
CONTINUED READING:
1 Corinthians 13