Pause

In our search for love and in our desire for love we might sometimes ask, "Where does love come from?" The answer is elusive, and the origins of love remain something of a mystery sometimes, even as we experience it.

But believers start by making this assertion: Love comes from God. God is its source and its keeper.

Live into this gracious truth even now as you set aside some time alone with the Source of all love.

Listen

He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1:13-14

Think

Along with encouraging the Christians at Colossae, Paul also offered them assurance: In Christ, they had been given redemption and forgiveness and a new life in the kingdom.

They had been debating in their community – is Christ really all we need? Is our new faith enough? Paul’s answer is a resounding “Yes!”

Sometimes we need this reminder too. We’ve been taught that we have been forgiven in Christ’s love, but we ask: Can we really believe it? Is it that simple?

Our redemption is complete in Christ. We have already been brought into the kingdom. The challenging part is learning to live like it!

Regardless of the debates and controversies going on around us, we too can rejoice in the fullness of our redemption. The same assurance Paul offers the Colossians is assurance for us too – because of the life and love of Christ, we are part of God’s kingdom. And that’s enough!

Meredith Shaw

Pray

God, there are a lot of things that are complex in my life. I thank you for the simple assurance that the love of Jesus is enough to bring me close to you. Help me to live more and more like him every day. Amen.

Go

Imagine a stream running over its banks.
The waters cannot be held back
And will not be contained.

Tell out the good news.
"Warn" everyone.
God's loving flood is coming.