Tag Archives: Gospel of John

The voice of love

Shepherd and sheep in Saudi Arabia
haitham alfalah, 28 September 2012

Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side.
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage. Psalm 23:4

At this time in history, we are walking in a dark valley of cosmic panic, trauma, and grief. But we are not alone. The Lord is always with us.

When loud voices bombard us with messages of distress, despair, and doom, we must take time to get quiet and listen deeply in our hearts to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd, the One whose voice calms us and gives us hope and courage.

Today I will remember I am always in the presence of the Good Shepherd. I will remind myself I have nothing to fear.

The grace of God’s will

Caravaggio (1571-1610)
The Incredulity of Saint Thomas
oil on canvas, from 1601 until 1602
Sanssouci Picture Gallery

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

It can be hard to believe that the peace of God is ours, a gift freely bestowed on us. All we have to do is receive it – the peace of kindness, the peace of compassion, the peace of generosity, the peace of deep listening, the peace of forgiveness, the peace of reconciliation, the peace of hope.

Today I surrender to the grace of God’s will that I receive the Lord’s peace in my heart and life. I open my heart and hands to let that peace bless everyone and every situation.

Free to Love

Rembrandt (1606-1669)
The Raising of Lazarus
oil on oak wood, ca.1630-1632
Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Thus says the Lord God: I will put my spirit in you that you may live. Ezekiel 37:14

We live with the spirit of God’s open-handed, unconditional love in us to guide us with every decision, every word, every impulse to kindness, generosity, and compassion.

Lord, untie me from the bonds of self-centeredness and self-pity. Let your spirit speak and act through me today that I may be free to be fully alive.

The beauty of the human heart

A.N. Mironov (b.1975) Christ and the Pauper.
Healing of the blind man. Oil on canvas, 2009.

But the Lord said to Samuel,”Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b

God sees each of us with the eyes of unconditional love. God sees the beauty of our human hearts with their wounds and bruises, their compassion and kindness. God sees each of us as we were made: in the image of God’s own goodness and love.

Lord, spiritual blindness prevents me from seeing myself and others with the eyes of God. Heal my fear, arrogance, and self-centeredness that I may see the hearts of all people and not judge by appearance.

Thirsting for love

Jacek Malczewski (1854–1929)
Jésus et la Samaritaine, 1912
Lviv National Art Gallery

[Jesus said,] “Whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst.” John 4:14

The water Jesus gives us is unconditional love. A spirit of love. A heart of love. A mind of love. When we receive love, give love, ensure love circulates in our little piece of the world, we will never thirst.

Lord, the thirst for love in our world is so great. Open my heart to receive the water of your love and help me to release that love wherever I am.

Transformed by God’s grace and peace

Zelenka, Dave. Baptism of Christ, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=56385 [retrieved January 14, 2023]. Original source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baptism-of-Christ.jpg.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:3

Each day is an opportunity to consciously place ourselves in the presence of God and ask to be touched by God’s grace and filled with God’s peace.

And as we receive these gifts, we are called to be servants of God’s will and give them away so that the light of reconciliation and love may reach to the ends of the earth.

God is my strength. Today I will let God’s grace and peace transform my thoughts, words, and the ways in which I interact with the people I encounter.

Spirit of Love

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

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

[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

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.