Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
January 15, 2023
Read Ephesians 4:29-32 and 5:1-2
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
1 Therefore, imitate God like dearly loved children. 2 Live your life with love, following the example of Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. He was a sacrificial offering that smelled sweet to God.
Good Morning, Imitate God like dearly loved children.
How is your soul this morning? When I go to clergy meetings and events, this is often the opening question. When I pulled up this morning’s passage, I felt I needed to back up and see what preceded these two verses. In Chapter 5, Paul is in the midst of giving instructions for living Christian living.
We are called to be the mirror of Christ for the world or to imitate God. That is a big ask for us. After all, we are sinners and suffer the affliction of human frailty. How can we be the image of Christ for the world?
The only way that this is remotely possible is to turn our lives over to Christ and to allow the Holy Spirit to transform us into the ones that God created. Our God is an awesome God who doesn’t create junk or brokenness. Wherever we are in our faith journey, we are moving toward perfection in Christ.
When we accept Christ, we sacrifice our human lives to become like Christ. We must give up our worldly treasures and serve God as we are called. When we fill unworthy or overwhelmed, we have this beautiful safety net upon which to fall: the enveloping love of God. Our response is simple: Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbors as yourself. Amen and Amen
Loving God, Thank You for being with us. Your love for us is neverending. May we serve you joyfully each day. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Today I will joyfully lay down my life in service to God.
Serve with Joy! Pastor Liz