Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
May 17, 2022
Read 1 John 3:1-3, 16-18
1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us in that we should be called God’s children, and that is what we are! Because the world didn’t recognize him, it doesn’t recognize us. 2 Dear friends, now we are God’s children, and it hasn’t yet appeared what we will be. We know that when he appears we will be like him because we’ll see him as he is. 3 And all who have this hope in him purify themselves even as he is pure.
16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Good Morning, Let our actions define our love.
God presents us with the gift of love. We are called to allow that love to fully encompass us, and in response to our gift, we should share that love with the world. Last week, I spoke of painting an image that would represent the love of Jesus. I love thinking of how you could get such love onto a simple canvas. Would we hire a great artist, or would we be better with a young child who is untainted by our world?
As we consider how the love of Jesus could be revealed within the brushstrokes of a painting, let us consider our own canvases. What would the painter capture when representing us? Who/what do others see in us? Sometimes we put on a facade depending upon the situation to cover up our true colors.
Maybe we are trying to hide that we are a Christian, or maybe we are trying to hide something deemed less appealing to our earthly standards. Most likely, we are just trying to fit into the mold that others have set as the standard. We must never lose sight of what God sees within us; God sees every facet of our being. Jesus is the mold to which we should work to fill with our lives.
When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are given a new identity and a new way to follow. Don’t allow earthly values to get in the way of who you are. Reach and claim your gift of unconditional love given through the body and blood of Christ. Show your true colors as you walk confidently as children of God.
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. You made each of us unique. We are your children, made in your image. May we choose to let Your love flow within and through us to the world. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Today I will walk confidently because of who I am in Christ.
Share God’s love! Pastor Liz
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