21st. December. 2020. Daily Devotion.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:1-5
The theme of this past weekend has been “love.” Our faith is based upon the fact the “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”
We do not have difficulty in understanding the love a person has for their husband or wife. We can also understand love for our family and friends. However, it is difficult for many to understand the depth of God’s love. In Ephesians Paul prayed that all followers might “be given the spiritual power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love really is.” He wanted everyone to “experience the love of Christ, though it is so great . . . (we will) never fully understand it.” That type of love is our gift from God. It is a totally forgiving love, from our eternal God, and He keeps on giving it to us.
The question we may ask is, “How do we access that love?” The answer is right there. It is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. In a given situation we may not feel love towards someone e.g., an enemy, but as recipients of the love of God we are challenged to seek the power of the Spirit of God within us. When we do, the prayer will be answered and the love we need for another will become available to us. That is the power of faith expressed in love.
Prayer Lord God, thank You for the Holy Spirit who fills our heart with Your everlasting gift of love. In Your merciful kindness, help us to always share Your gift of love to others in hopes to bring about peace on earth. Amen.
For those who must travel today
Father, as many are not able to travel during this pandemic, we ask that you strengthen and console those for whom this will be a great disappointment. We pray for all who will be making journeys today and during the Christmas holiday: For those who must travel to spend time with family and friends; For those who are going to a new job and for those who are going to work for the last time today; For the emergency services who will travel at high speed on land, water or in the air, to bring help to others; For those starting a new life as they move into a new home; For those travelling to or from prison; For people who will go into hospital today; For young people on their way to and from school, college and university; For those who are lost on the journey of life; For those who will die today and make their final journey. I remember all these people now, and ask your blessing upon them, Lord. Amen.
Benediction
Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, let me think about these things. What I have learned and received, let me do; and the God of peace be with us all.
