Today’s Readings:
Romans 13:8-10
Psalm 112:1-2,4-5,9
Luke 14:25-33
Do people still say “I love you” these days? I believe that for as long as the world continues to run, there will be people who profess love to each other. But do they know the implication of this seemingly harmless four-letter word—LOVES?
Saint Paul draws up some of the implications of claiming to love someone:
To love is to desire the good of the other.
Love is a debt that should be paid.
To love is to be chaste and never cheat on God and one’s spouse.
To love is to protect the good name and image of others.
To love is to protect the goods and interests of your neighbour.
To love is to celebrate the success of others and not grow envious and bitter.
The Psalmist adds to the list:
To love is to fear to offend God.
To love is to delight in keeping God’s command.
To love is to be generous with your time, talent and treasures.
To love is to be merciful and forgive quickly.
To love is to treat others justly and fairly.
To love is to be truthful and honourable (be a man or woman of your word).
To love is to remember that your life is either a good or bad example to others.
To love is to desire the good and well-being of others, even those you may never meet.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that love is what makes us his disciples:
Love is to place God over family, friends and even yourself.
Love is to be self-sacrificial (to think less about yourself and more of the greater good)
Love is to desire to be faithful to one’s promise to the very end.
Love is impossible without the grace of God.
It is important to assess your motive and intentions concerning your neighbour using the list above as your guide. Pray to God for the strength to love selflessly and be slow to speak about love. Let your actions speak for you.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.
Heavenly Father, help me by Your grace to follow the example of Christ in the way that I love.
Teach forgiveness and generosity and let my words and actions be inspired by You, in Jesus' name.
Lord, help me to love you with more than my words, in Jesus' name.
May I never offend You by my actions; and help me, by Your grace, to love my neighbour as myself, in Jesus' name.
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