Today’s Readings:
Hosea 14:2-10
Psalm 81:6,8-11,14,17
Mark 12:28-34
It is a little-known fact that you cannot force anyone to love. No incentive will convince anyone to get their emotions involved when they have not satisfied their mind with the knowledge of the one, they should love. To love someone, you must first know them. What happens then, when Jesus claims that the greatest commandment is: ‘And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength’ (Mark 14:29)? Why is it a must? For argument, imagine that your child tells you that they do not love you. You will first have to ask “Why, what have I done?” This is because it makes no sense for someone you gave the gift of life not to recognize you as the giver. The first reason to love God is because we owe all that we are and all we have to Him. And faith helps us acknowledge this. “Without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
After the gift of faith is sorted, we must address the quality of our love and there are a number of them. These qualities will address not just our relationship with God but also the nature and quality of our relationship with the people in our lives.
Totality – God desires 100% commitment—all of your heart, your soul, your mind and strength must be involved. You will not find it funny if your spouse or fiancé says that they only love you 99.9% of the time.
Sincerity – Disclose your true self to God so that you will find grace. Do not lie to the ones you claim to love; let them know who you truly are. This way they can defend you in times of adversity.
Communication – Prayer is the way we speak with God. Use it as often as possible. Speak about everything and let your true feelings be known.
Set Boundaries – With God, the only boundary infraction is sin. Sin displeases God the same way infidelity and invasion of privacy displeases you or your spouse or partner.
Anger – It is okay to get angry with God. He can handle it. But in all your anger, do not lose faith. Do not lose faith in the persons you love because you are angry.
Mutual Respect – Do what God has commanded you because He has your best interest at heart. You will not find it funny if people choose to disobey your instructions. Do not do the same to others.
Forgiveness – God forgives but this is not a license to take Him for granted. Do not offend others and then expect forgiveness all the time—you would not like it either.
JUDE MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud:
Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I believe and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart, keep me from all evil, and lead me in Your righteous path. Thank You, Lord!
If you said the above short prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest, as the case may be.
Prayer:
May God give me the gift of faith to know Him, fill my heart with grace to love Him, fill my soul with the power of the Holy Spirit to desire Him and give me the strength to keep on trusting even when the going gets tough, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God grant you faith to know Him, fill me with grace to love Him, fill my soul with the power of the Holy Spirit to desire Him and give me the strength to keep on trusting even when the going gets tough, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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