Devotion 

A Community of Love

Frances Taylor 

Today we celebrate the feast of the Holy Trinity. This is one of the great mysteries of Christianity and one that is a stumbling block to many. How can we even try to understand its meaning? Maybe it's not important to try and understand, but to reflect on its importance in our lives. God is Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, a community of love. When I was young, I was taught that the work of the Father was creation, the Son, salvation and the Holy Spirit, sanctification. So, within the Trinity there are distinctions and yet unity. We are called by our baptism to be a community of love. There are distinct roles that each of us plays and yet we are called to be one in love for all. We are one family, all children of the one God, saved by the actions of the Son who became one of us so that we could be "joint heirs with Christ" and filled with the Holy Spirit so that we may go forth and tell others of this great mystery. The early Christians ...

Morning Prayer 

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Inspiration 

How can we know and obey the will of God for our lives? It will not happen if we are conformed to the ways of this world. But we must be transformed within, that that change may have its visible outward effects. And that transformation is by what? by the renewing of our minds, through conformity to the Word of God.

Prayer 

May I not be conformed to the pattern of this sinful world, Lord, but instead seek to be conformed to the patterns and teachings and commands found in your holy Word. Transform me through your Spirit, I pray, by renewing my mind unto godliness. Amen.

Night Prayer 

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

Inspiration 

God calls us to love all people, even our enemies. But He especially calls us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our love for one another is what sets us apart as God’s children. And when we need to rebuke our neighbor, love demands that we do so plainly, and without enmity. For our goal is not to condemn, but to heal and restore.

Prayer 

God, I am thankful for the people that You have placed in my life. My church family has been a blessing and a source of strength to me. Help me to grow in my love for them so that we may reflect You even more. And when words of rebuke are needed, give me the grace to speak Your truth in love, for the good of Your people and the sake of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.