Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

---

Read

Romans 13:8-14 (NRSV)

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

---

Reflect

Love. Has there ever been a more overused and under-lived word? “I love chocolate.” “I love that car!” “I love football.” “I love you.” “For God so loved the world.” “Love one another.” It seems sacrilegious to put those phrases up against one another, doesn’t it?

Love, as God gives it, has overcome the world—even death. The good news is that we have access to this love through Jesus, who brings God’s love to our world, to our relationships, and to our hearts, minds, and actions. When we open ourselves to receive this love, we will be transformed; our motives will be based on God’s love. We will begin to see others as God sees us all, which will allow us to begin to love others as God loves us all. Lord, let it be!

---

Pray

Loving God, help us to receive your love that is given so abundantly and freely through Jesus our Lord. Open our hearts to let your love fill us to overflowing. Transform us by the living and eternal power of your love. Help us to love you and one another—not only in word, but in thought, motive, and action—starting now, and lasting forever. In Jesus loving, living name we pray. Amen.

Go with God.