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June 28, 1 John 3:18

“My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.”

1 John 3:18 MSGA verse of the day from the Bible presented in Eugene Peterson’s contemporary version called The Message. Accompanied by a personal reflection below.

Do you suffer from “debilitating self-criticism”, gentle reader?  You might have a good case for it, you know, but do you really wish to dwell in it?  John recommends a work-around for it:  practice real love, he says.  It’ll make you feel better and will get your mind off yourself. When you use your time and energies to give of yourself to others, you are practicing love, and in doing so, you are reflecting God’s love, even as you are helping yourself!  Now is that not a win-win for all?  And if there’s still any doubt about it, continue reading the verse, there is much to reflect on in the line, “For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.”  May it be that we are reminded of this every day.

2 thoughts on “June 28, 1 John 3:18

  1. Very timely, in light of recent exchanges. Your words remind me of a famous quote of Dorothy Day’s: “We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.” TFS!

    1. Great quote, thank you for sharing. And also for the kind words.

      Regards, Simmi D. Isaac (Sent from my iPhone)

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