17 Dec 2009
Advent Devotional
Philemon 4 – 7
“I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love” (v. 7).
Paul is expressing how much the love of Philemon and other Christians means to him. We give time, money, food, shoes, and blankets to those in the community who are in need of our love. Within our church family, we show love for each other in so many ways-being a church school teacher, being an acolyte, smiling and saying hello in the hallways, cards, food, prayers, calls, hugs, and emails for those who are celebrating a joyous event in their lives or are hurting from the loss of health, of a loved one, of a job, of a way of life.
Love goes both ways-”a two-way street”. In other words, you can be loving by being a receiver as well as a giver. By letting the church family know what is hurting us or giving us joy-our “concerns and celebrations”, we show love by giving others the opportunity to give love back to us in some way.
PRAYER: Loving God, We thank you for the countless ways in which you love us. Show us new ways to give joy and encouragement to others, reflecting your love. Amen.
Nelda Hollender