And it came to pass that there came a voice unto them, yea, a pleasant voice, as if it were a whisper, saying, Peace, peace be unto you because of your faith in my well beloved, who was from the foundation of the world.

[Adapted from Choose Generosity: Discovering Whole-Life Stewardship, Herald House, 2019, pp.34–35]

When Jesus was asked, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” he said to him, “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:34–40).

Loving God, self, and others is at the heart of responding faithfully. We learn through scripture that an experience with the touch of Jesus often leads to a positive change, allowing us to respond faithfully through love. We hear this response from the Samaritan woman at the well as Jesus touched her heart and offered her living water (John 4:4–26). We sense it in the lame man who lay by the pool for 38 years, as Jesus grasped his hand and offered healing (John 5:1–15). We see it in the response of the early disciples standing on the shore when Jesus extended the invitation to follow him (Mark 1:16–20). We feel it in the courage of the bleeding woman who responded in faith by reaching out to touch the hem of Jesus’ robe (Luke 8:43–48).

All these people became disciples, in their own way, by accepting a gift offered and choosing to respond faithfully in love.

As we respond faithfully, God calls us to follow Jesus Christ steadfastly in our love for God, self, and neighbors. Our actions and behaviors must display God’s grace and generosity. As we learn to love like God, we grow in our capacity to express God’s grace and generosity in our relationships with others. We also grow in our faithfulness or ability to consistently and dependably respond like Jesus.

Prayer Phrase

“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

Spiritual Practice

Overflowing Generosity

Spend five minutes thinking deeply about how God has shared abundantly with you in very specific ways. Where do you see God’s abundant generosity in your life? Say a prayer of thanksgiving for these blessings. Now, reminded of these blessings, think about how you can bless others. In what ways can God’s abundant generosity overflow from you to others? What specific blessing will you share with another this day?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.