When I permit God to perform His “good work” in me, then I grow in my love for others. As I look at the people who surround me on a daily to weekly basis, my thoughts provoke thanksgiving. I try to develop a habit of remembering each person in prayer with thankfulness instead of dwelling on the negative aspects such as judging, disappointment, or bitterness from negative interactions. We all fall short but keeping a single focus on who I am in Christ I begin to develop a habit of thankful recollection. I am grateful for the people God has placed in my life. This practice enables God to transform the way I think about people. It frees me to develop a sincere love for my friends, family, my church body, and acquaintances. It moves me to a deeper Christian fellowship, joy experienced at the throne of grace, and praying with and for one another. I have you in my mind, I have you in my heart and I have you in my prayers.

When I live like this it helps me to take my mind off myself, my wants, my needs, my fleshly desires. The Apostle Paul stated in Philippians 1:9-11, “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰ that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, ¹¹ being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”. What this scripture means for me is, that there is a difference between spiritual fruit and human religious activity. I can go through the motions, attempting to love others in my own strength and claim all the glory, but the key is that true spiritual fruit should bring the glory to God alone. I cannot claim credit for it.

I am reminded of this because of the love God showed us in sending His Son, Jesus the Christ to earth to die in my place.  Jesus exhibited this love in all He accomplished. He loved deeply and had compassion for all people without hypocrisy, and without judgment. He loved all people. He came as a servant.  As we celebrate tomorrow, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday may we focus on what was accomplished at the cross. Jesus told his disciples after washing their feet that He gives us a new commandment taking preference over all the others, and that is to love one another as He has loved us. What a world this would be if we all practice this, to forgive others, lay down our pride, and put others before ourselves.

Transforming Temples extends a heart of gratitude during this Holy week. I pray you enjoy the joy, peace, and comfort that only the Creator of life can give. Jesus loved us so much Hed died for you and me so that we could have life abundantly. I pray we continue to stand as we are being transformed daily into the people He has called us to be. Amen!

Happy Resurrection Day.