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 A collective reflection on Hope, Peace, Joy, and LoveThursday, December 26, 2024 |
| Love Like Grandma Clara 1 John 4:19, 1 Thessalonians 1:8 As a little girl (before the days of call waiting), reaching my Grandma Clara on the phone was nearly impossible, especially around Christmas. She was always talking to someone – checking on the sick, asking about travels, and bringing joy to her friends and family. She couldn’t get out much, but she took it upon herself to love people however she could. She sent cards. She donated to people in need, even though she couldn’t afford to. She stopped and prayed with everyone about even the smallest things. She was love. And she wasn’t afraid to share where that love came from. 1 John 4:19 says, “We love because he first loved us.” One of the things that really stands out about this verse is the word “first.” Jesus loved us first before we even came into existence. What an incredible idea to think about. He loved us first, despite all the ways he knew we would mess up, all the things he knew we’d do wrong. Jesus modeled how we should love others. What does that kind of love look like? Well, let’s reflect on what we know about God’s love from the Bible. His love is patient; his love is kind; his love keeps no record of wrongs; his love is unconditional. Jesus loves sinners. He even loves those who would betray him. What a wonderful calling it is to be that kind of love! It’s a love that speaks for itself, a love that spreads. In 1 Thessalonians 1:8, Paul writes of the Thessalonian Christians, “The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia – your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore, we do not need to say anything about it.” So, as we’re wrapping up the holiday season and approaching the start of a new year, my goal is to love more like my Grandma Clara – in a way that’s so clearly from Jesus that people can’t help but notice and spread that love, too. By Kathryn Marr PRAYER FOR TODAY God, we thank you for loving us first — unconditionally, selflessly, and patiently. Thank you for sending your Son as a perfect example of that love. As the Advent season comes to a close, help us be living examples of your love so that everyone we come in contact with knows exactly where it comes from. Amen. DOWNLOAD ECHOES OF HOPE PDF BOOKLET |
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