I don't know what made me do it but I thought I would ask God for a verse prior to the meeting. This is what he provided as sustenance.
Ephesians 1:3-4 NIVUK
[3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. [4] For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love
https://bible.com/bible/113/eph.1.3-4.NIVUK
Today what really hits me is two aspects. The use of the short sentence "In Love.' this amazing and profound for it's brevity. We are defined as humans by our ability to love or not to love. Love is our purpose and why we are here. There is no other reason. Love trumps hate. Love wins against all comers when we let it. Perfect love drives out fear. We might want to reflect on 'does it really.' but when we do we might eventually or reluctantly agree that this is the case.
I am writing this in a fast food train. No advertising here so I won't say which one. Today in Ipswich all human life is here. There is a man having a conversation on his phone in a loud voice, presumably with his solicitor almost shouting, "no I said Not Guilty."
It reminds me of the poem, "love bade me welcome but I drew back guilty of dust and shame." I need to attribute those lines. In love we need to approach the throne of grace, the mercy seat and admit that we are not perfect and that no-one is good except God alone.
It is about learning what is good for us and what is bad for us. To choose life and love. To eschew the things of darkness. Becoming conscious of ourselves and our effect on others. The opposing force to love, which is hate, will try and rob us of our victories be they big or small.
Jesus, you were right. The greatest commandment is to love. Help me to seek an increase in it. Let me approach the seat of mercy. Amen.
