Daily Devotional: How does the neighborhood that hosts your congregation know that you are there? How does your congregation walk beside those around the church building (or where you gather for worship, teaching, service, et cetera)? How does your congregation love its neighbors? Love is a concept that in our culture tends to mean some fluffy, gushy or irrational emotion, but for Paul its not an emotion at all—it has to do with our actions. Love is not what we feel for one another but how we act toward our neighbors, even those whom we dont know. The commandments that Paul lists in verses 9-10 are not emotionally based but are about the flourishing of the community. When we act in love, everyone benefits and harm is not inflicted upon even the most vulnerable. Love builds up the community and reveals the love and grace of Jesus Christ in its midst. Paul is clear that this is our mission as the church on earth, and our mission is urgent. There is no time for darkness and actions that harm one another; we must lay those things aside in order to engage in actions that lead to all people fulfilling the law of loving God and loving our neighbors each and every day. Dear Jesus, may we live in your law of love, doing no harm to our neighbor. May our actions, thoughts and words only serve to build up and love those around us. When all of your people are loved and cared for, your law is fulfilled. May all of our neighbors have food, shelter, clothing and community. We are called to bring your hope to those who are in hopelessness. We pray for the whole world to overflow with your love and mercy. Amen.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 11:03:28 +0000
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