Review and Re-Center Around God
1 Corinthians 13:4-6
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
~Apostle Paul
Review the Week
We may all want to be the embodiment of love as described in 1st Corinthians 13, but that's not our current reality, is it? Yet it could be said of Jesus; He could be the embodiment of love in that He is patient and kind, does not envy, and does not boast.
As we review this week, we can ask, “am I being unloving?”
Any time that we are being impatient or unkind, or are in a position of envy, we are -- at that time -- in the position of not loving.
Any time we act proudly, dishonor others, or seek first for ourselves, we clearly are not acting in love.
Repent (if necessary)
This is an opportunity to repent of being unloving in certain situations. Are you keeping a record of wrongs? If so, you're not acting in love.
Use the list above from 1 Corinthians 13 to identify where you have lacked a loving attitude.
Then, in conversation with your Father, repent of it.
Return (as necessary)
If you desire more patience, pursue love – love is patient. Are you struggling with anger? Pursue love. As you return to God, you return to the God of love who is patient with you and kind to you.
The more you experience God, the more that you experience love.
The more you experience such love, the more patient and kind you become, the less self-seeking and less easily angered you become. You will find that you rejoice with truth rather than delighting in evil befalling others.
Prayer
God of love, continue to pour Your love into me that I might express a similar love through patience and kindness, that I might express such a love by withholding anger, swallowing pride, and squashing envy. Let me keep no record of wrongs. I want to reflect You. I pray this in the name of Jesus, the embodiment of love in this life. Amen.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 119:49-56 (Zayin, 7th letter)
- Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.
- My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
- The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from your law.
- I remember, LORD, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them.
- Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law.
- Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.
- In the night, LORD, I remember your name, that I may keep your law.
- This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.
Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God
Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
Proverbs 3:33
The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
“Your decrees are the theme of my song;” Is there a Christian song or hymn that you whistle while you work? Sing? Hum? Take a moment and share it with God.