Saturday, April 18, 2020 Devotional
“Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.”
1 Thessalonians 3:2-3, 11-13 ESV
Even in the days of the Apostles, there were times of separation characterized by affliction, when Christians weren’t able to meet together or see each other. As we do now, they longed for the day when they would be able to gather once again in worship and enjoy one another’s’ company and fellowship together - maybe even have a meal together.
What was most important - and the Apostle’s prayer for the Christians - was that during this time of distance they would increase and abound in love for one another, so that their hearts would be established.
We grow in our faith as we find ways to serve each other in love during this time of separation. This is my prayer for each of us; that when we are able to gather once again it will be with hearts full of the memories of loving service that has bound us together in Jesus during this time of ”distancing.” Our fellowship then will be even sweeter and deeper because of it.
Lord, put an idea into my heart of a practical way that I can serve someone today in your love.
Amen!
Pastor Dan Giles