Friday, January 9, 2026

Opening Scripture

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t depend on our own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

Opening Prayer

Most Merciful God, blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, who sins are covered. Blessed are those who sins you do not count against them. When we confess our sin to you, you are faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. So, we give you praise for your unfailing love. Your mercies are new every morning and our hearts are glad. May your face shine upon us this day. Help us to walk in your way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 13

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

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. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Reflection  

Just because a word is familiar doesn’t mean it’s understood. Too often, we distort “love” by elevating it into an abstract, ethereal ideal – or worse – corrupting it into a euphemism for sexual immorality. This passage gives us a clear explanation of what true love is all about.

Part of the challenge is that the English word “love” is asked to do a lot of work. The Greek language had at least 4 words for love: storge’ (familial love); philia (brotherly love); eros (sensual love); and agape’ (divine love).

Clearly, God wants his people to be characterized by agape’ (divine) love. We can only do this as we experience God’s love personally and allow his Spirit to love others through us. In fact, love (as defined above) should be an obvious trait of a follower of Jesus.

Flourishing Habit

Close Social Relationships

Love only exists in relationship. Are your relationships characterized by love? Love looks like patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness. Love isn’t easily angered. Love doesn’t keep score. Love encourages and defends.

Who do you have a hard time loving? Ask God to help you do it. Today.

Remember: nothing changes until something changes!