Scripture: John 13:34-35
Journal: What arises within you when you first read these verses? Why?
What is the first thing that God wishes would rise within you? How has God loved you lately? What does that have to do with these verses?
Reflection: I don't know about you, but most often, when I read these verses, the
first thing that arises are a list of oughts and shoulds that primarily
focus on how poorly I love. But today was different. Today God gave
me a sweet invitation. Today God said, "Stop focusing on yourself
and instead focus on me. After all, the sentence begins, 'As I
have loved you.' Why not focus on my love, and how I have loved
you? I have loved you fully. I have loved you completely. I have loved you unconditionally. I
have pursued you. I have embraced you. I have romanced you. I
have drawn near to you. I have whispered my affections in your ear.
I have listened to you. I have guided you. I have protected
you. I have provided for you. I have been present to you. I
have comforted you. I have even given my life for you.
Let my love overwhelm and overcome you. Let my love completely capture
you. Then all of the rest will take care of its self."
Prayer
Closing
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to love like you
love. I am far too selective about the who
and the how of my love, often thinking that I actually have a choice about who
I will love and how I will love them.
Your love for me does not give me that option. You call me to love like you
love—unconditionally, extravagantly, and indiscriminately. Help me, this day, to love those that I have
a hard time loving. And I know that I
can’t possibly do that on my own, I’m going to need your help. Lord, have mercy. Help me to love as you love. Amen.
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