Acting lovingly toward each other

The Second Sunday after Epiphany

Don’t you know that we all have God as our Father? Didn’t the one God create each of us? Then why do you cheat each other? ~ Malachi 2:10a (CEV)

All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other. ~ John 13:35 (NCV)

KEY IDEA:

When we love each other we are proving that we have the same Father in heaven.

PRAYER:

Dearest Father,

THANKS: I am grateful for your love. It defines who I am.

REGRETS: I'm sorry that I don't always love other followers of Jesus. It's really hard because so many of them are jerks. And maybe I am, too. It's really hard to love people.

INTERCESSION: Show me how to love. That is, give me some practical ways that I can love difficult people.

PURPOSE: I really want to demonstrate my connection to you by loving everyone else who is connected to you.

Amen.

Protection

The Lord Most High is your fortress. ~ Psalm 91:9b (CEV)

We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. ~ Hebrews 6:18b (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord himself is our protector -- our person of safety.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are the safe person to whom I can turn whenever there is danger. Thank you for protecting me even though I do not run to you fast enough when I sense danger. There is something about living with a little danger that excites me. But that is irresponsible and contrary to how you want me to live. Please continue to protect me -- especially from my irresponsible self. My desire is to live with you as my fortress. Amen.

Mercy

God will certainly be merciful to you. Hearing the sound of your outcry, God will answer you. ~ Isaiah 30:19b (CEB)

“Jesus, Son of David, show me mercy!” ~ Mark 10:47b (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

It's worth asking God for his mercy.

PRAYER:

Thank you again for your kindness -- your mercy -- for saving me from what I deserve. Even though I don't say it enough, I can't live apart from your mercy. Keep me mindful of your mercy and vocal about it, too. I want to share your mercy in word and action with everyone I meet. Amen.

Grace

The Lord is compassionate and merciful, very patient, and full of faithful love. ~ Psalm 103:8 (CEB)

The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. ~ Titus 2:11 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Let God's love, kindness, grace, and mercy define how you relate to him.

PRAYER:

Lord, I'm grateful for your grace. I'm sure that's hard to believe sometimes. I tend to focus so much of my time, effort, and energy on being good by keeping all your rules and laws. And then when I don't keep them properly I try to appear like I do. I'm a fake. But even that does not stop your love. You are so patient with us that I want to live my life for you. Keep me mindful of your grace so that I can truly please you. Amen.