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

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God.

Colossians 1:1-6

Think

When I was growing up in church, we spent a lot of time learning about missionaries and the work they were doing around the world. And every summer that I went to youth camp, we collected a mission offering. Without ever meeting these people, but through hearing their stories, praying for them, and supporting their ministries, I came to love them and the people they served.

This is a little like Paul’s relationship to the early Christian church at Colossae. He has only heard about them, yet in his letter, he expresses his thankfulness for the church and a deep care for their well-being. He prays for them and offers them encouragement. Without ever meeting these believers, Paul exhibits great love for them!

What unites Paul to the Colossians – and us to diverse Christian communities around the world – is our shared faith in Christ and the love that God has for us all.

Meredith Shaw

Pray

God, thank you for the faithful women and men who serve you around the world. Help me to feel a spirit of unity in your love as I encounter your presence in other people and places. 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.