Looking for God’s Goodness in contemplation and prayer.
As we turn to God, we are taught how to love. Not as the world loves but with a merciful, compassionate life-giving love. A powerful exercise is to meditate on 1 Corinthians, God’s definition of what love is and place your name in place of love.
Quiet your heart and enjoy His presence … He is leading you to love. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Read the following verses that describe love. You have heard each of these lines before. This time, as you go through, cross out each instance of the word ”love” and “it” and write in and your own name.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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 purveyors. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Your Name is patient, Your Name is kind. Your Name does not envy, Your Name does not boast, Your Name is not proud. Your Name does not dishonor others, Your Name is not self-seeking, Your Name is not easily angered, Your Name keeps no record of wrongs. Your Name does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Your Name always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always purveyors. Your Name never fails.
Reclaiming Friendship: God’s Plan for Deep Connection, p. 101
Does this verse still ring true? Which pieces do not? Offer this verse with your name in it as a prayer to our Lord. Thank Him for the ways that He is built His ways into the very core of your being. Ask Him to build virtue where you are lacking.
Turning to God: Weekly Reflection Summary
Sunday – Called to Love. “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:12-13.
Monday – Choosing Love. As I surrender to love itself, I’m making space for God to have his way with me. I’m choosing love.
Tuesday – Adoration. Nothing pleases God more than we turn to Him, seek Him and find Him throughout our day.
Wednesday – Highest Calling. As we turn to God, we find our highest calling.
Thursday – Love of Neighbor. As I walk the path of God’s love, I’m called not only to love God with all my heart and soul but to love my neighbor as myself.
Friday – Knowing Love. You Lord are my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Smitten With Goodness 