O God, we ask that the gift of Your divine life of love and truth offered to us through Christ will grow in us as we respond in loving obedience to Your Spirit's bidding. Amen.
Reflection
What is the essence of being a Christian? It is certainly more than doctrine, precepts, and commandments. It is first and foremost a relationship – a relationship of trust, affection, commitment, loyalty, faithfulness, kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, mercy, helpfulness, encouragement, support, strength, protection, and so many other qualities that bind persons together in mutual love and unity. God offers us the greatest of relationships - union of heart, mind, and spirit with Himself, the very author and source of love (1 John 4:8,16).
God's love never fails, never forgets, never compromises, never lies, never lets us down nor disappoints us. His love is consistent, unwavering, unconditional, and unstoppable. Nothing can deter Him from never leaving us, ignoring us, or treating us unkindly. He will love us no matter what. It is His nature to love. That is why He created us - to be united with Him and to share in His love and unity (1 John 3:1). God is a trinity of persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - and a community of love. That is why Jesus challenged His followers and even His own earthly family to recognize that God is the true source of all relationships. (Matthew 12:46-50)
The Lord knows that all of us love our families more than anything else in this world and He is showing that those who do His will are dearer to Him than anything else and His love for them is complete. God wants all of our relationships to be rooted in His love.
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