Behold, ponder, contemplate “the greatness of the love the Father has lavished on us” (1Jn.3:1). “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love” (Ps. 51:1). “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another” (Eph. 4:32).
Heavenly Father, few things are as aromatic as lives marked by humility, grace, and kindness. It’s like the scent arising from a big pot of perfectly seasoned “Michelin-Star-Chef-goodness”—blending, simmering, filling the kitchen with allure and welcome. It’s like walking into our favorite bakery at 5am, when all the fresh baked breads and pastries (gluten and gluten-free – lol) are emerging from the oven.
When we, your beloved children, practice the art of Jesus’ love, it is a bouquet of beauty—a service of worship that causes angels to dance and the Trinity to rejoice. In our marriages, friendships, church families—in all of our relational contexts, to love as Jesus loves us … nothing is more important. It’s the living proof of the Gospel, the most valuable inheritance we can give our children, the on ramp for prodigals to come home and non-believers to believe.
Father, your mercies are new every morning because we need them every day. None of us is beyond the need or reach of your grace. For your glory and our healing, free us to live and love to your glory. It’s certainly challenging, often complicated, but always our calling. Humble, soften, and gentle us, Abba.
Help us get low and get serious about practicing the art of Jesus’ love. May we care 100 times more about being kind than being right. May we care 1000 times more about you being honored than us being vindicated. So Very Amen.
