So God said to Solomon: “Because you asked for this—you did not ask for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies—but you asked for discernment to know what is right—I now do as you request.” 1 Kings 3:11-12a

When I search my heart to discern God’s will, I discover attributes I want to keep: compassion, humility, forgiveness, generosity, a sense of justice, a desire to serve those in need. And I discover attributes that block my true nature of love and goodness: petty complaints, a sense of entitlement, attachment to money and possessions, ingratitude, a need to fix or control others, indifference to those who are suffering.

My daily work is to admit I need help with my imperfections and ask God to remove anything that is unlike love from my heart, mind, and being so that I may be a humble witness to the kingdom of God among us as I go about my day.

Today I will take ten minutes of alone time to examine my heart. I will ask the Lord to illuminate and remove anything that is unlike love from me so that I may live in the light of compassion.