For those who are led by the Spirit are children of God. Romans 8:14
The Spirit leads us to trust the goodness of our hearts, to look for the face of God in all people, to treat each member of God’s human family with loving kindness, to listen to others with patience and understanding, to breathe peace into every situation.
Today with child-like faith I will let the Spirit lead me into God’s heart of compassion and wisdom.
The Magi opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11
We carry so many gifts in us. Kindness. Hospitality. Respect. Creativity. Forgiveness. Generosity. Good humor. Helpfulness. Love.
Whenever we offer our gifts to others, we offer them to the Lord.
Today I will open the treasure of my heart and share one of my gifts with someone in need.
“‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’
And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.'”Matthew 25:37-30
Today I will bring a little food to the food pantry, smile a welcome to someone I don’t know, write a note someone who is ill or troubled—and honor Christ in each precious person.
For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5
Our light is the Christ, the light of goodness, the light of love, the light of compassion, the light of mercy, the light of forgiveness, the light of healing.
Today I will shine my light of goodness and love wherever I find myself.
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Resplendent and unfading is wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her. Wisdom 6:12
The wisdom of God is in our hearts. Our hearts know how to love, how to forgive, how to welcome others, how to discern truth and justice.
Today I will replenish my supply of patience, mercy, kindness, and compassion by spending five minutes alone with the Lord. I will find wisdom by listening to the love in my heart.
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Jesus said, “You have but one teacher, the Christ.” Matthew 23:8b
May my life—every word, action, and attitude—center on what Christ has taught me:
Welcome everyone.
Forgive everyone.
Love everyone.
Today I will find peace in carrying out the lessons Christ my teacher has taught me.
Jesus said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39b
Today I will not oppress or wrong anyone. I will be faithful to the Lord’s command to love my neighbor.
Love is respect. Love is kindness. Love is welcoming. Love is nonjudgmental. Love is listening. Love is peace-making.
Love is acknowledging the presence of God in each and every person everywhere.
At that Jesus said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” Matthew 22:21
Kindness, compassion, forgiveness, healing, peace, joy, reverence, and love belong to God.
Today I will repay God’s love for me by respecting and honoring all people everywhere.
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
We are walking in a dark valley at this time in history. War and hatred are not God’s way. Peace and love are God’s way.
Today I will remember the Lord is walking beside me and leading me in his way. I will release all fear. I will have the courage to love my neighbor even when we do not see eye to eye.
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8
Whatever I think about, I give power to.
Today I will keep my thoughts on embodying God’s kindness, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion. I will give power to Love with my thoughts and life.
Mary Ann McSweeny 