Today’s thought for the day is brought to us by Rev Claire Jones

www.christianaid.org.uk/resources/pray/daily-reading

Something to read

Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, beloved, to do so more and more, to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you, so that you may behave properly towards outsiders and be dependent on no one. – 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12.

Something to think about

I’m imagining the apostle Paul standing up in any of the churches where I’ve served in the last few years, and giving this message to them: ‘I know you’re already loving your neighbours well – I see that you’re doing everything God’s taught you already – but now I just want you to do more of it. And more of it. And even more.’

I can just see the exhausted faces that would be gazing incredulously back at him, mine among them. Many of us have worked harder than ever over the past few years, juggling the pressures brought by a global pandemic, rising costs of living, and political instability. Charities, churches, community groups, businesses, schools, and families have all been affected, and we are a nation of tired people.

It’s good news then that Paul’s call to love others more and more doesn’t always equate to doing more and more. He urges the Thessalonians to a quiet life, growing in thoughtfulness and depth of compassion, rather than simply adding more noise and activity to our lives.

Something to pray

Gentle God, meet me in my tiredness and minister to me here. Help me resist the pressure to produce more, achieve more, and have more to show off to the world. Instead, simply grow in me deeper love for you and for others. Amen.