Scripture reading
“My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love.
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–1 John 3:18
Thought of the Day
I love our scripture for today. They are great words, but what do they really mean? How do we “practice real love”? How do we show those around us that we really love them? I love this story about St. Francis of Assisi. He was a great man who lived in the thirteenth century. Francis showed great love for all creation and is known for his songs and poetry praising God. You might have a statue of St. Francis in your back yard. He wrote some great words of faith. This is my favorite. “Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary, use words”.
So that is the answer, my friends. Do you consider yourself a preacher? If we love God then we are called to live His word. The Gospel of Jesus Christ tells us how to live, how to love, how to serve, how to forgive, how to praise and how to pray. Jesus teaches us that love is an action verb. Jesus teaches us how to “preach” and practice real love. Follow Christ. He shows us the way.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank you for creating us and for all the love you show us. Let us never forget that the way we live our lives is the greatest witness that we can ever have towards others. Amen.