Friday, April 17, 2026

Scripture

“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14

Reflections

Two siblings quarrel with each other.  One parent looks to the other and sarcastically says, “Can’t you just feel the love?”

When the Apostle Paul says, “Let all that you do be done in love,” he’s talking about how we feel about one another, what’s going on inside.  Can we feel deep love and genuine concern in our hearts in every interaction we have with others?  In everything we do?

If we’re honest with ourselves, this will convict us.  As weak human beings, it is impossible for us to always have pure thoughts and pure intentions.  The evil one tempts us.  The next thing we know, we’re entertaining less than charitable thoughts toward our neighbor.

Yet, the Apostle Paul still holds a high bar.  This is the way of Jesus, the one who said, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mt. 5:48)  His intentions in saying that were not to set us up for failure.  He knew that if we did not have our eyes set on a higher expectation, we would settle for something else.

And so, we do everything we can to guard our hearts and feel genuine love toward our neighbor.  We know God loves us and has forgiven us in Christ Jesus.  Why not open our lives to His Spirit so that we can be loving toward others as well?

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for your immeasurable love through Christ Jesus.  Guard and shape my heart to be genuinely loving to all I cross paths with this day.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 1 Corinthians 16:13-24