Passage of the Day:
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like, James 1:19-24.
Reflection:
As a former high school teacher, listening and doing are crucial to following directions. As an adult, parent or teacher following up on a group, you may see nodding heads, claiming to understand. Yet, if you probe further, checking up to see if individuals have listened, understand and are actually doing what is expected, you’ll find a number of lost people. Perhaps, a similar situation in the first century sparked James to address fake from genuine love.
Prayerful Action:
But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do, James 1:25.
Learning to Love this December as God Forgives You:
When I stood among a class of teenagers, I realized early on that I couldn’t fake being prepared for a lecture. I either knew what I wanted to teach, or whispers began to spread about the train wreck about to happen. The same concept applies to love as detailed in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Anyone can say I love you, but genuine love demonstrates this by listening and living out acts of love. Genuine love emulates the life and love of Jesus.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
If a heart beats like a drummer beating a drum, it’s a sign of life. While Christmas has passed for this year, genuine love is an essential part of living out your faith daily. Don’t be afraid to shine the love of Jesus in your heart.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 