1 Corinthians 13:1-3

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. - 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Dear Jesus,

I can get caught up in pursuit of many good things that leave my heart void of the one thing needful, love.  You remind me that even gifts from your Spirit, as pure and powerful as they are, do not give me the redemptive value that your unconditional love does.  They can even live in a stony proud heart.  Oh Savior, melt my heart and give me that love that shows me my worth through acceptance and leads me to do the same for everyone else.  Make me the lover of souls that you are.  Help me overcome my inward criticisms of others and to rise to help them experience the power of grace. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Love opens one's life to live again beyond the picket fence erected through judgment.