Love That Is Real

 

Readings 010826 

I try not to dwell on social media.
It rarely leads me toward loving God
or loving my neighbor.

But I do share my prayers.
I share my reflections.
I proclaim the one true God
to anyone who pauses long enough to read.

And I hope you share this—
or share your own message of love—
because the world is hungry for it.

Yet I see something painful:
people who speak of God’s love
while offering anything but love.
People who say they love God
but attack their brother.

And others who claim to love God and neighbor,
but really love only themselves
and the image of God they created.

Do they truly know His love?
Only God knows.
So I pray for them.
I pray for you.
And I ask you to pray for me.

Scripture speaks plainly:
“Whoever says, ‘I love God,’
but hates his brother is a liar.”
Love of God and love of neighbor
are one command,
one life,
one Spirit.

And Jesus shows us what that love looks like:
Good news for the poor.
Freedom for the captive.
Sight for the blind.
Grace on His lips.
Mercy in His hands.

If we follow Him,
our words must carry the same grace.
Our lives must reveal the same love.

Because the victory that conquers the world
is not anger,
not argument,
not pride—
but faith
working through love.

Prayer

Lord,
You loved us first.
Let that love shape our hearts today.

Heal what is wounded,
soften what is hard,
and free us from anger and pride.

Teach us to see every person
as Your beloved child.

Make our words gracious,
our faith steady,
and our love true.

Lead us in the way of Christ,
whose mercy conquers the world.

Amen.