Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 9, 2025

Date: Thursday after Epiphany

Scripture Text: 1 John 4:19–5:4

Beloved, we love God because he first loved us.

If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar;

for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen

cannot love God whom he has not seen.

This is the commandment we have from him:

Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God,

and everyone who loves the Father

loves also the one begotten by him.

In this way we know that we love the children of God

when we love God and obey his commandments.

For the love of God is this,

that we keep his commandments.

And his commandments are not burdensome,

for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world.

And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today is taken from the 1st Letter of John and reminds us of the essential and central nature of love in our lives and faith.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How well am I keeping the LORD’s commands of love?

Praying:

LORD, we are created by You in love, with love and from love. And You ask of us that we live true to You and to the nature which You have woven within us, to be people of love, love for You with all our being and love of one another. You sent your only-begotten Son to dwell among us because of your love for us and desire that we have life in abundance with You. He showed us, as our brother, what is possible if we lead a life of love, love for You and love for our sisters and brothers. Upon the cross of Calvary, He showed us the depth and breadth of His love for You and your will as well as for us and our salvation. Send your Spirit to stir within us this love we have received so that it might permeate our whole being and transform us into more loving women and men. Grant that we may hold your commandments in our mind and hearts and allow them to inform us as we journey home to You. We ask this in the name of our Savior, your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.