Presence

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.” (Psalm 105:4 NRSVue). Oh Jesus, I take a moment to seek your face. You always gaze on me with love.

Scripture Reading

Colossians 3:12-14 NRSVue

Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Reflection

Acting is much easier to control than reacting. We can pretend to be someone we’re not. We can pretend to be kind and considerate and thoughtful and caring. We can pretend to be inclusive, and accepting, and non-discriminatory. We can pretend to be everything we think people expect us to be. But when we have to react, in the moment, the truth comes out. Reacting is much more difficult to control. Am I quick to react and even quicker to judge? Do I need more proactive compassion in my life? Today, grateful for this new awareness, I won’t just act like I love God, I will react like it, clothing myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Closing Prayer

Loving Father, may I build a habit of responding with love, forgiveness and gentleness. May this love be genuine. And in developing these virtues, with the help of your grace, may my reactions and immediate responses become more loving, too. And when I slip up, may I forgive myself and move on, as you forgive me, unfailingly.  Amen.