Date: 11/24/2020

Thoughts on Love
Sid Faulkner of Troy, IL, USA

Peace I leave with you; my peace i give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. —John 14:27

In the Old Testament we read that Jehovah is just. And there are passages which clearly speak of God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness. And yet, the message didn’t seem to stay in the hearts of the hearers. It was important for God to become love, dwelling in our hearts—imminent, intimate, intrinsic, in us.

Jesus says and portrays a God of love. Jesus modeled giving ourselves and not holding back, not seeking or asking for anything in return. We might find that giving all we have is a great deal.

If we are made in the image and likeness of a God of love, where are the limits of what we can give and be? I believe the more we give, the more we have to give. I don’t understand it, but it’s one of God’s laws.

The God of Jesus does not love some of us because we are good and dislike others of us because we are bad. God loves us all. God is always inviting, pulling, and tugging at our hearts.

What do you believe? Do you really believe that God is love? Do you believe that you are a child of love and that the world is the work of love? Do you live as you say you believe? Do I? “Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these...” (John 14:12). We find it hard to accept this; it’s too big a challenge—but for those who are willing to try, life can be exciting, challenging, and fulfilling.

Jesus came to bring us the message that God is Love!

God was in Jesus, and Jesus was in God. God is in us, and we are in God. We are all one. Love is not merely a word; love is The Word. Spread The Word.

Prayer Phrase

God, help me seek peace for me, peace for us, peace for everyone, and peace for our planet. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

The International Community

Find (or imagine) a globe or map of the world. Look at all the nations and find a country other than your own. Notice the geographic distance between your homeland and this one. Picture a person living there. Pray for this person. Sense God’s love connecting you just as the oceans connect the continents. Thank God for the spiritual connection you have with all of God’s people around the globe. Ask a blessing on the church as a community sharing Christ’s peace, drawing all into the family of God.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.