Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
June 19, 2022
Read 1 John 3:16-18
16 This is how we know love: Jesus laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 But if someone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but refuses to help—how can the love of God dwell in a person like that? 18 Little children, let’s not love with words or speech but with action and truth.
Good morning! Love one another!
How do we show love to one another? One of the most powerful ways to show love is through your presence! I have experienced this on both sides of the situation. I have been the one in need and I have been the one to share support. When we see a need, we drop what we are doing, or we rearrange our schedule so that we can be there, love is present in a very tangible way. Have you ever had a moment when you were very worried about something, but as soon as you see a smiling face of a friend or a colleague all of your worry dissipates. I especially love those times when I didn’t know that I would see someone familiar to me. Those walls of worry come tumbling down as I relax.
It’s funny how we sometimes talk about what we’re going to do, or what we ought to do. Talk, talk, talk! Yet, sometimes when we are sharing time together, words get in the way of our love. Quiet, intentional sharing of a moment can be so much more powerful than words. Holding someone’s hand or even just a touch transfers love from one to the other.
The Apostle John speaks of love repeatedly in all of his writings. While the world wants things to be complicated and complex, Jesus brought a simple message of love. Love God with all of your heart, mind, and strength, and Love one another: unconditional love. When love abides nothing else matters.
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. Love is sometimes hard for us to understand. We have become cynical and wonder how the person who offers love will benefit. Open our hearts, dear Lord. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: I show my appreciation to God when I take time to be in God’s presence.
Share love with the world! Pastor Liz
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