Lord, You established me in the peace of a hickory grove where I spend time learning more of You, seeking commune with You and listening for your response. The warmth of our times together is like soaking in the sun’s rays without fear of the damaging effects. I’d prefer not to leave this place where You surround me with your love and acceptance, but You bid me go love my brothers and sisters in your name. Refill my capacity for loving, and send me with your bidding, Lord. Help me, Holy Spirit, to not miss an opportunity. I ask in the name and authority of Jesus, according to the good and perfect will of the Father. Amen.
“Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.” (1 John 2: 7-10 ESV)