Read, Reflect, Respond
Read:
I say, then: live by the Spirit…not the desire of the flesh…These are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want. But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like.… In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit. Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envious of one another.
Galatians 5:16-26
Reflect:
The battle is real between the world and spiritual life. If I want to bring your love Lord to my family, friends, and those I encounter today, I need to live in the spirit, and live in your mercy and compassion. As I surrender myself, my wants, and desires to Yours, I trust Your plan is larger than mine. I release the exhaustion of trying to hold it all together and live in the peace and trust of Your endless and generous love.
“It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you.”
St. Teresa of Calcutta
Respond:
Lord, help me live with an eternal perspective in the Spirit, living in the world but not of the world. Reveal to me the areas of my heart that need attention to fully grow in your love.
Smitten With Goodness 