Tag Archives: Gospel of John

Spirit of Love

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Steffen Papenbroock
“Heart of Fire”

Jesus said, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” John 14:26

With each breath, we are one with God’s Holy Spirit.

With each breath, we hear the Holy Spirit teach us everything about kindness, respect, compassion, gentleness, justice, and generosity.

With each breath, we listen to the Holy Spirit’s reminder that Jesus has told us to love God, our neighbor, and ourselves, and to forgive those who have hurt us.

Lord, love comes in many forms of service. May I be guided today by your Holy Spirit as I use my gifts and talents to bless our fragile world with love and goodness.

We are one

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Jesus prayed, “… that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one.” John 17:22-23

The power of “we” is the power of unity.

When we make the decision to unify our minds and hearts in peace, in respect for each other, in kindness and generosity towards each other… when we let go of selfishness and greed, fear and blame, the desire for power and recognition… our behaviors, attitudes, and actions will begin to reflect deep love and compassion for all of God’s people.

Lord, may the love with which you love each of your human children be in me today. Show me how to make known your healing presence in this time of sorrow and brokenness.

Peace is a choice

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[Jesus said,] “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27c

Every day brings events and situations that tempt me to let my heart be troubled and afraid.

Today I will remember I have a choice: I can let the temptation to be afraid overtake me, or I can trust in the Lord’s peace and refuse fear. The Holy Spirit will remind me and teach me how to choose peace.

Lord, lead me not into the temptation of fear. Open my heart to accept your peace.

Practice love

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The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. Psalm 145:8-9

The Lord’s example shows me how to live the new commandment of love, including practicing courtesy, forgiveness, forbearance, kindness, and compassion towards every member of the human family.

Today I will show I am the Lord’s disciple by loving my neighbor and asking the Lord to bless all people everywhere, without exception.

We are God’s people

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Anton Mauve, 1838-1888
Shepherd and Sheep
oil on canvas, ca.1880
Cincinnati Museum of Art

The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13:52

In every moment I have the option to rejoice in God’s gift of the Holy Spirit.

May I remember to turn to the light in hard times. May I ask the Lord to guide me in the way of wisdom, understanding, compassion, forgiveness, peace, and kindness.

Come, have breakfast

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James Tissot (1836-1902)
Apparition du Christ sur les bords du lac de Tibériade gouache over graphite on gray wove paper
between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum

O LORD, be my helper. Psalm 30:11b

Let me not be ashamed to ask for the Lord’s help as often as I need. The Lord will not withhold from me. Let me always remember to say thank you.

Lord, may I rely on you to feed me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. May your unfailing, kind attention fill me with gratitude.

Peace be with you

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The Incredulity of Thomas, 15th c.

Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19b

Let us not doubt the Lord’s peace. It is a peace of the heart, the peace of knowing God is here, with us now and forever. We have not been forsaken, no matter how outside events appear. The vision is God’s, the timing is God’s, the peace is ours for the taking.

Lord, whatever I am experiencing today, I know you are here with me. Help me to receive your peace and extend it to all people everywhere.

The power of love

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[Jesus] had to rise from the dead. John 20:9b

With love, there is no choice. Love revives us, renews us, raises us to new life where kindness, peace, and compassion meet, collaborate, and bless our words, actions, behaviors, and our very lives.

Today I will remember Jesus had to rise from the dead because of the power of love. God’s love raises us beyond darkness and injustice, confusion and grief, illness and death.

Lord, let my heart be open to receive and release the renewing power of your love.

A step towards holiness

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Rembrandt (1606-1669)
The Three Crosses
drypoint and burin on paper (III/IV), 1653 Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum

The other [criminal]… said in reply, “…indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said,
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise.“ Luke 23:40-43

Every day brings many challenges that require me to choose appropriate words, actions, and behaviors. When I ask the Lord to remember me, I am acknowledging my need for the Lord’s constant guidance so that I may reflect God’s love, peace, and kindness in all my interactions.

Love, peace, and kindness help make heaven on earth a reality. Today I will remember that taking responsibility for my words, actions, and behaviors is a step towards holiness.

Filled with the joy of kindness

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[Jesus said to her,] “Has no one condemned you?”
She replied, “No one, sir.”
Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.” John 8:10-11

I am often tempted to judge and condemn myself and others. But this temptation is not of God.

Today I will remember God’s great mercy and kindness. I will reject fear. I will ask God to fill me with God’s love, peace, compassion, and joy.