Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet"; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, "Love you neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10
Besides this, you know what time it is , how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:11-14
Some people are "spooked" by any talk that sounds like the "end" is near. Don't be! Rather than being afraid or anxious be ready. That is, trust that our God is abundantly for us and calls us to be God's beloved. That is why there is the admonition to "love your neighbor as yourself" and then..."to wake from sleep." Take advantage of the time that is here to be the beloved community. We pray that the love of God will be so trusted among us that it will shape our lives even as we are here today going about the business and events of our live. The fleshy side of us would keep us at odds with one another...acting as though it better for us to be separated than together as one. Don't let it keep you from missing life that comes to light when the blessed reality of our salvation sinks in and we trust that it is so.
Connection: You are the saving people of God in Christ, Jesus! Now is the perfect time to let that position we have been given by grace be the formative information that directs your day and your deeds.
Saving Lord, your unconditional love for us is an amazing gift that is the power to bring us into new life. Remind us to put on your love as we move through the routines and surprises of this day. Amen
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