Lord, let us see your kindness. Psalm 85:8a
Our smiles and encouragement, compassion and respect, peaceful presence and helping hands allow others to see and know the kindness of the Lord.
Today I will be the kindness of the Lord in all my interactions.
And they took offense at him. Mark 6:3
I don’t have to be offended by others’ opinions. I don’t have to envy others’ gifts and talents. I don’t have to be suspicious of others because of the way they look, the language they speak, or the religion they practice.
Today I will honor others instead of judging them.
Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” Mark 5:36
With faith, I keep my eyes on the Lord instead of the problem. I reach out to touch the Lord and allow him to touch me. I trust the Lord to lead me, guide me, and show me the next right thing to do.
Today I will remember God is with me. I will put my focus on the Lord and ask him to help me.
A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion.
Mark 4:37-38a
When events disrupt my serenity, overwhelm me with sorrow, flood me with anxiety, and challenge my faith, I need to ask God to help me, rest, eat, and stay in touch with loved ones.
Today I will take care of myself even when the storms of life distress me.
I call on the name of the Lord. Psalm 116:13b
No matter what is happening in the world, in my country, in my community, in my personal life: God is in charge.
Today I will remember to keep God in the center of my life. I will call on the Lord when I am experiencing stress, confusion, or pain. I will remember to thank God for God’s unfailing presence.
[Jesus said,] “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b
In fear, illness, sorrow, the Lord is with me. In joy, laughter, companionship, the Lord is with me. In loneliness, rejection, suffering, the Lord is with me.
Whatever I experience, wherever I am, the Lord is with me.
Today I will remember the Lord is with me, showing me the path to love and unity.
[Jesus said,] “But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.” John 16:13
The truth is that when I love and treat others with patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, then I am filled with the Spirit of God.
Today I will let God’s Spirit guide me in all my interactions.
God is love, and whoever abides in love
abides in God and God in him. 1 John 4:16b
I abide in love when I treat others with compassion, patience, and respect. I abide in love when I graciously receive help or kindness from another. I abide in love when I spend quiet time in prayer with the Lord—alone or with others.
Today I will pray to be filled with God’s kindness and patience. I will pray to give and receive love wherever I go.
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Jesus said to his disciples, “This I command you: love one another.” John 15:17
I count 18 instances of the word “love” in today’s readings.
The message is very clear.
Today I choose love in its many forms: listening attentively to others, speaking respectfully to everyone I encounter, helping someone in need, thanking others for their help, treating all people with kindness and courtesy, refraining from gossip and negative criticism, rejoicing in the beauty of creation, spending quiet time alone with the Lord.
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“Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches.”
John 15:4-5a
Our lives are entwined with the Lord. God’s love supports us, feeds us, guides us, inspires us.
Today I choose to remain in kindness and compassion.
Mary Ann McSweeny 