Thursday, July 16

 Thursday

Cardigan:
Leader: It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood…
All: A beautiful day for a neighbor.

Today’s Mail:
Romans 13:9 — “Whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Devotion:
By now, we’re feeling it. The heat. The tiredness. The sore muscles. Maybe even a little frustration. This is the part of the week where loving your neighbor can feel harder.

Paul writes that all the commandments are summed up in this one: love your neighbor as yourself. Not just when it’s easy. Not just when we have energy to spare. But even now. Because love isn’t just something we feel when everything is going well. Love is something we choose. We choose love, especially when it is easier not to.

Mister Rogers once reminded people to pause and think before they act. That small pause can change everything. Today, love might look like that pause. Taking a deep Holy Spirit breath before responding. Choosing patience when you’re tired. Choosing kindness when you’re frustrated. And maybe even noticing the good again. My younger sister used to call moments of seeing good, whiffs of joy! I pray you have a whiff of joy today.  

Mr. Rogers had a way of looking for the strengths in others and calling them forth to shine. Remember Mr. Rogers’ words, “I like you just the way you are.” Jesus did too. Jesus called us beloved. That doesn’t stop on Thursday. In fact, it might matter even more today. So as you go into this day, remember: You are loved. You don’t have to do everything perfectly, just keep choosing love, one moment at a time. 

Wonder Question (For pondering today)
When you feel tired or frustrated today, what will help you pause and choose love?

Daily Prayer:
God, as we go to serve today, help us love our neighbor as ourselves.
Guide our hands in the work we do, and our hearts in the people we meet.
Teach us to listen, to be kind, and to share your love in all we do. Amen.

Feed the Fish:
Leader: Who is our neighbor?
All: The one we choose to love.
All: Amen.