The Fourth Week of Lent – Wednesday
by Jill Duffield, Presbyterian Outlook editor
1 JOHN 4:18-19
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.
We love because God first loved us. Use this verse as a breath prayer throughout the day. Breathe in “we love,” and breathe out “because God first love us.” As you find yourself stressed or distracted, breathe in “I love,” and breathe out “because God first loved me.” Pay attention to how this practice impacts your attitude, emotions and perspective.
Lord of love, you loved us first. You knew and loved us even as we were being knit together in our mother’s womb. You called us by name, said we belong to you and stopped at nothing to be in relationship with us. Recognizing the magnitude of this gift, we want to love you and others with our whole being. Amen.
