Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
December 8, 2021
Read 1 John 1:4:19-21
19 We love because God first loved us. 20 Those who say, “I love God” and hate their brothers or sisters are liars. After all, those who don’t love their brothers or sisters whom they have seen can hardly love God whom they have not seen! 21 This commandment we have from him: Those who claim to love God ought to love their brother and sister also.
Good Morning! My children, love one another.
Today is the unofficial beginning of a special weekend for the Petry family. Alex and Carmen are getting married this weekend, and two wonderful families will join together in love. I see the love of God working through and within their pending union, and I eagerly anticipate their new life together. Praise be to God!
Our passage in 1 John is short and to the point. How many times must we be reminded to love one another? I know that it is hard to love those who cause us pain, those who have “wronged” us, and those who annoy us. It is sometimes even harder to love those who are different from us regardless of what we perceive those differences to be. Love one another! God made each of us and God is perfection.
I have a student at my school who is challenging to handle. His behaviors are often inappropriate for the situation, and it is easy to become frustrated when he seems to ignore the request to join the group. Yesterday, by chance, I saw him comforting his younger sister when she was in need. He was sweet, caring, and gentle as he talked to her. God made each of us. At that moment, my perception of this child was forever changed. I’m sure that he will still cause me frustration, but when I look into his eyes, I will see a chance to love a child of God in need.
When I read vs. 19, I imagine those lost souls who have never known love. Those who have no knowledge of God, their creator, live in darkness without the hope that sustains us. Pray that all in need will be shown love this Advent season. John reminds us to love God and to love one another. Everything else is second to this commandment. Love one another!
Creator God, Thank You for loving us. In this time of preparation for the arrival of the baby, help us reach out and share Your love with someone in need. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Today I will look for opportunities to surprise others with acts of love.
Love one another! Pastor Liz
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