Category Archives: 1 Peter

Glorify God

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James Tissot (1836-1902)
Ascension of Jesus
gouache over graphite on gray wove paper, between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum

Jesus said, “Father, I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.” John 17:4

Taking refuge in the love of the Lord, we find the courage to give glory to God by embodying the way of Jesus in love and service to our neighbors. Making good use of our unique gifts and talents, we give glory to God by helping to bring about God’s vision of love, peace, and unity for our world one act of kindness at a time.

Today I will trust I am safe in the heart of God. I will give glory to God by offering my peaceful, encouraging presence to someone who is ill, lonely, or afraid.

The Spirit of Love

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Frank Wesley (1923-2002)
Churinga (pure light, glory of God)

Jesus said, “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me.” John 14:21a

Jesus teaches us that the greatest and first commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. The second is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). When I observe these commandments, I live and move and have my being in the heart of God.

Today I will ask the Holy Spirit to guide me as I practice loving God, myself, and my neighbor with kindness, gentleness, and reverence.

Wounded but whole

Guercino (1591-1666)
Doubting Thomas
oil on canvas, 1621
Residenzgalerie Salzburg

Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” John 20:26-27

The wounds we have experienced—wounds of betrayal, wounds of injustice, wounds of physical, sexual, mental, emotional, or spiritual abuse—are nothing to be ashamed of. They can transform us into new beings of compassion, patience, kindness, humility, faith, and hope. Our wounds do not define us; our identity is, always has been, and always will be beloved of God.

Today I will gently examine the wounds I bear and open my heart to believe in and know God’s everlasting love and healing. I will ask Jesus to show me how to transform the pain I have experienced into a deeper understanding of others’ suffering.