Day 1

I Corinthians 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 

A husband told his wife one day that he was going to go ask his boss for a raise. He deserved it, after all. But he was nervous. Very nervous. Not only did the boss offer a raise, but a much bigger raise than the husband expected. When the husband returned home he noticed that the dinner table was exquisitely decorated with the best china, candles, and smells of his favorite dinner drifted from the kitchen. He went into the kitchen, hugged his wife and told her he got the raise. They were both very happy. They sat down and enjoyed a nice dinner together. By the silverware, the husband found a note written in calligraphy. “Congratulations on the raise. I knew you could do it. These things will tell you how much I love you.”

After eating his wife got up to go into the kitchen to get dessert. As she walked out a card slipped from her pocket. The husband reached down and picked it up. Written in beautiful calligraphy were the words. “I’m sorry dear about not getting the raise. These things will tell you how much I love you.” The husband then realized that his wife prepared a special meal, a special evening whether or not he succeeded in getting the raise. Her love was unconditional.

God is the same way. God loves us and want to teach us how to love one another. “If I could speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal...if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love I am nothing.” Love is everything.

                                                                      (Story adopted from an Advent journal)

Father, in Jesus name, thank you for being an awesome example of love.  Today, bless me to find a way to celebrate my family in spite of life’s twist and turns.  Help me to shower them with your love despite the decision of others and in spite expected or unexpected outcomes.  Help me express, that your timing is impeccable and today is a gift.  Love is a gift.  Today, bless my expressions of unconditional love.  Amen

Publisher's Note: The above are excerpts from the "No Greater Love: A Journey Through Lent" Journal as compiled by Dr. Michelle Gooding of Herring Grove FWB Church, Dr. Andre Cannon of Evangel Christian Community Church, and Eldress Wandra Williams of Hull Road FWB Church.