Focus
Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.
Read
2 John 1-13 (NRSV)
The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth, because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in truth and love.
I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning—you must walk in it.
Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist! Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but may receive a full reward. Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. Do not receive into the house or welcome anyone who comes to you and does not bring this teaching; for to welcome is to participate in the evil deeds of such a person.
Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
The children of your elect sister send you their greetings.
Reflect
“Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us…in truth and love.” What great words for this national Election Day in the United States. Today someone will be a winner and someone will be a loser. One side of the political spectrum will be happy while the other will be hurt. This is a time to remember what we are called to as Christians: grace, mercy, and peace.
This commandment from today’s scripture reminds us that above all else we are to love one another—those who agree with us and those who do not. We must walk in love with those who are of our political party and those who are not. Where there is love, God’s grace, mercy and peace will be also, of which the world needs so much more. Today, as we tip-toe around the questions of voting, as our anxiety about the outcome of the election grows, as the results come in, may we remember to love one another, walk in accordance with God’s commandments, and pray that God’s grace, mercy, and peace will be with us in truth and love, now and always.
Pray
Holy God, may your grace, mercy, and peace be with us this day. May we be filled with your love and may we walk according to your commandments. Amen.
Go with God.
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