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.
This you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, and he has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:7-10
When you hear the word “wisdom,” what comes to mind? The wise old owl? Those painful teeth that appear when you’re a teenager? A stack of books? Maybe you think about ancient Greek philosophers. Or you might picture a grandparent or a mentor who always gives good advice. We associate wisdom with old age. When we say that someone is “wise beyond her years,” we imply that it’s unusual to find wisdom in young sources.
Paul writes to the church at Colossae, a young church – just a kid – not old enough to be wise. Despite this, Paul knows by their love that they are filled with the Spirit, so he prays that they would also be filled with wisdom.
Paul doesn’t want the “wise old owl” kind of wisdom for them, though. The wisdom that comes from the Spirit is active and dynamic – it will shape their lives and bear fruit in the form of good works and a growing knowledge of God. Where do we find this kind of wisdom in our lives?
Meredith Shaw
God, although I am young, I pray for understanding. Help me to be a part of a loving community where your Spirit moves. Let your Spirit develop the kind of wisdom that helps me to bear good fruit. Amen.
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.