“Do everything in love.” (1Cor.16:14)
Dear Jesus, “Do everything in love” … the only reason we’re not laughing this off, dumbing it down to make it “do-able,” or despairing of our lovelessness is because you first loved us. Though we won’t love perfectly till heaven, we are already perfectly loved. Hallelujah! This is all the reason, motivation, and fuel we need to love others by grace, faith, and your Spirit.
Help us, Jesus. Stun us afresh with how wide, long, high, and deep your love for us really us—the only love better than life, the only love that will never let go of us, the only love that will enable us to love others when…
When we’re tired, frustrated, and grace-empty.
When our kindness isn’t reciprocated and our goodness is exploited.
When old wounds, broken trust, and feelings of “unfairness” are ignited.
Jesus, keep our hearts alive to your tenacious, wild, lavish, joyful, transforming love. This will make all the difference in the world… literally, in the world where you’ve called us to live, work, and play. On the cusp of Thanksgiving, and with the nearness of Christmas, grant us repentance, renewal, and real joy in loving others as you love us Jesus. All for your glory… So Very Amen.