29th.October. 2021. Daily Devotion.
16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: in this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
The love of which John speaks is applicable to all areas of our lives, even now as we live. We try to define love, but our human standards fall short of the mark. We mostly refer to love as a feeling because love is something we possess. 1 John 4:16 explains it better, by saying, “So we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love. God is love. Everyone who lives in love lives in God, and God lives in them.”
This kind of love is not a feeling, but a being who takes up residency in the hearts of all those who accept Christ as their Saviour. The comprehension of the enormity of this, causes our momentary afflictions to be viewed in better proportion, diminutive in comparison.
We will have trials in this life, and we will feel pain, but our fear is replaced with an inward tranquillity or resolve, when we understand that the one who created the universe is in us. He who has overcome the world can also help us overcome our problems. God’s perfect love, eradicating our uncertainty, gives way to equanimity of certitude. ~ J Calvert
Gracious Saviour, Thank you for your perfect love that purifies us from all our imperfections. Amen.
Father and Mother of all, through your word all creation comes to be, and you perfectly love all you have made. All life is your gift, and all creation will find final fulfilment in you. As your grace is sufficient for all, and as we rejoice that we are blessed to know it, even in part, we ask that we might be signs that you have given creation and heaven as a place for all. May your Holy Spirit bless us with grace, humility, hope, wisdom and openness, as it did your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Meditation
“The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist.” ~ Gregory the Great.
God of grace, we bless you for the gift of each day, for the glory of creation, the joy of salvation and the fire of your love in our hearts. Amen. ~ Handley Moule (1841-1920)
For those coping with floods
God of compassion,
you hear the cries of all who are in trouble or distress;
accept our prayers for those whose lives are affected by storms and flooding:
strengthen them in their hour of need,
grant them perseverance and courage to face the future
and be to them a firm foundation on which to build their lives;
this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
