Devotion

A Devotion to read with your children this week:

We like to use the word “love” to talk about all kinds of things. You might say, “I love pizza” or “I love geckos.” But loving pizza and loving a person are two very different things. Saying you love is very different than showing you love. Thankfully, God is in the showing love business. God showed love in one really big way: by sending Jesus. Jesus came to make a way for us to have a relationship with God forever. Because God loves us, we can share that love with others! When we have a relationship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit will produce good things in us as described in Galatians.

"The fruit the Holy Spirit produces is love, joy and peace. It is being patient, kind and good. It is being faithful and gentle and having control of oneself." Galatians 5:22-23a.

It is a great reminder that we can put love into action because God loved us. So, when the kid from down the street keeps cheating to win, do you want to keep playing? When your sister keeps hogging the remote, do you want to hand it over once it’s finally in your hand? It’s hard to keep playing with a cheater or to keep sharing with a sister who doesn’t do what you want to do. But the truth is, you can’t control their behaviour. The only person you can control is you. You have a choice to love. Loving others is easier when you remember that you are loved. God’s love for you is unconditional. So, the next time someone is bugging you, stop and choose to show love. Not because of anything they have done but because of God’s big love for you.

Take a moment to think about someone you know who needs love? Think of someone and then brainstorm one or two ways you could show love to that person. Remember, we love others because God loves us.

(Adapted from a devotional from Think Orange)

Molly McLean

Chaplain