Opening Prayer
Speak to us, and by Your Word create a loving heart in us. Amen.
Text: Luke 6:31-35
“And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Highest. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.”
Devotion
Holy wisdom that knows how to use earthly things in such a way that eternal riches come from them, consists first and last of love. Love has the wisdom and the miraculous power: to “transform earthly things into eternal treasure.” Selfishness and greed that consider themselves wise at keeping their possessions and increasing them are foolish stewards and lose everything. So also are ambition and self-righteousness that want to have a spiritual share as reward for their good works. Nothing but love keeps and saves your goods. Love your neighbor; do to him as you would have him do to you. Put yourself in his place, carefully consider what was beneficial to you and let heartfelt generosity move you to help him. See, then you will truly become eternally rich.
But, how little we do for one another, – how much for ourselves and how little for one another, and of what we do for one another, how little of it is out of true love, from a holy heart and free, unselfish desire! Therefore much of the little bit we do is corrupt and lost. Not a single genuine good deed is lost, every single one brings forth blessed fruit in eternity; but all the seed that is sown for reward is wasted, yes, it’s barren and dead. God grant us His love in our hearts, so that we may love in spirit and truth, love everyone, even our worst enemies, and do good to them from love’s holy desire! None of us fully understands the value in heaven and on earth of each gift and each loan that springs forth from this pure, divine fountain. No one can express the value of the least of genuine deeds of love.
Closing Prayer
“Jesus, You gave me ears to hear; also reach Your powerful hand to me, that hereafter I may walk as a true Christian in the spirit of holiness.” Yes, dear Lord, have mercy on us in our great spiritual poverty; give us love, and make us rich in works of love. And give us love; for Jesus’ sake give us love. Amen.
Hymn
You Christians forth are pressing
Each day with true rejoicing
In Jesus’ charity;
Such virtues you are donning
As Christians e’er adorning,
As God is pleased to see.
Mercy and kindness knowing,
True friendship you are showing
In gentleness and faith –
Your patience never ceasing,
All love shall be increasing
To give you joy and peace.
Your words and deeds be covered
Now with new love discovered;
The Spirit grant release,
Now bring you close together
With God’s delightful tether,
The perfect bond of peace.
Kingo: I Kristne, I, som træde L 234:1.3.5 tr. DeGarmeaux;
tune: Udi din store Vrede (H82:308); alternate hymn: Lord of glory, who hast bought us ELH 459:1-3