12.20.20 – Love

God, we read that Jonah attempted to escape his path because ‘he knew that you are a gracious and merciful God, that you are slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love’.

Lord, your servant Zephaniah proclaimed, your ‘love renews us.’ 

Father, your apostle, Paul, explained that our love for you and others is always noticed by you.

God, you call us to be encouraged and united in love so that we can live in the richness of an assured understanding as we know you.

Father, the love that you have given us, defines us as your children.

Love is the proof that we know you, for you are love.

Lord, some of love’s defining adjectives are patient, kind, content, humble, selfless, respectful, sacrificial, considerate, honest, righteous.

In action we see that love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

God, you are love, God, your all of these things.  Love while all things fade, love is everlasting.

God, your sacrificial love is seen on the brutal cross, in the manger stall and lying in the cradle.  God, we praise you for your steadfast love.

Amen.