Pastor Kären's Monthly Message
Love is patient, love is kind. It
does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is
not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of
wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It
always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always
perseveres.
– I Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
Lord,
Because love is patient …
Help me to be slow to judge, but quick to listen.
Hesitant to criticize, but eager to encourage,
remembering your endless patience with me.
Because love is kind …
Help my words to be gentle and my actions to be thoughtful. Remind me to
smile and to say "Please" and "Thank You" because those little things
still mean so much.
Because love does not envy or boast, and it is not proud …
Help me have a heart that is humble and sees the good in others. May I
celebrate and appreciate all that I have and all that I am, as well as
doing the same for those around me.
Because love is not rude or
self-seeking …
Help me to speak words that are easy on the ear and on the heart. When
I’m tempted to get wrapped up in my own little world, remind me there’s
a great big world out there full of needs and hurts.
Because love is not easily angered
and keeps no record of wrongs …
Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. When I want to hold
on to a grudge, gently help me release it so I can reach out with a hand
of love instead.
Because love does not delight in
evil but rejoices with the truth …
Help me stand up for what is right and good. May I defend the
defenseless, and help the helpless. Show me how I can make a difference.
Because love always protects and
always trusts …
Help me to be a refuge for those around me. When the world outside is
harsh and cold, may my heart be a place of acceptance and warmth.
Finally, because love perseveres …
Help my heart continually beat with love for You and others. Thank you
for this day when we celebrate love, and for showing us what that word
really means.
Amen.
I found this prayer/poem on tndeb47.blogspot.com. The blogger did
not know its author, but I
liked it and felt it especially appropriate for St. Valentine’s Day and
really EVERY day for Christians. Jesus told us that all the commandments
could be boiled down to two: love God completely and then love everyone
else. How much love and respect are you showing God? How are you showing
love to your family? To your friends? To acquaintances? To complete
strangers you come in contact with? To people you will never meet? We
have some wonderful opportunities this month at Wesley to help you
answer all those questions. I pray you’ll take advantage of worship on
Sundays and Ash Wednesday and that your entire family will attend Sunday
School. I pray you will offer up cans of soup and diapers for your
Vinton neighbors and give generously to the Henderson Settlement as well
as saving items for the Mission Stitchers. Showing love is part of our
call as Christians and it’s rather invigorating!
Serving the God of Love with You,
Pastor Kären