Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
SATURDAY, May 9 (Gregory of Nazianzus)
Colossians 3:12-17. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Does it, now? If love is all it takes to create perfect harmony, then why...
Because we don't love each other, obviously. As Paul understood love (stated most explicitly in 1 Corinthians 13), it is selflessness, giving way to the other, not insisting on our own way, waiting patiently for what we hope may come. Too often we do just the opposite--stand tall, claim what is ours, try to bend others to our beliefs and priorities, and strive for immediate results. We sometimes try to pass that off as love on the grounds that it will benefit people to see the truth as we see it, but our behavior is in fact driven by inflated ego and control needs.
If we behaved lovingly we would know "perfect harmony," and the peace of Christ would rule in our hearts. Harmony is a blending of different notes, often played on different kinds of instruments. If everyone were playing middle C on a violin, the result would be a dull uniformity, not harmony. Harmony not only allows for differences, but embraces and incorporates them. The oboe does not say to the cello, "You must become an oboe."
PRAY for the Diocese of Bath and Wells – Taunton (Canterbury, England)
Ps 55 * 138, 139:1-17(18-23); Wisdom 7:1-14; Luke 7:18-28(29-30)31-35
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
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