Pursue Love: Recent Episodes
Diana Timms
In our final reflection, Paul urges us to pursue love with every fibre of our being and so fulfil God’s commands. Mark 12:28-31
Our final meditation gives us an opportunity to respond to Jesus’ Love, in the company of the apostle Peter. John 21: 15-19
Much of what seems permanent will come to an end…but Love will last forever. Let us invest in a lasting legacy. 1 Corinthians 13:8-13
To Love “for better or worse” is like running a marathon. We look to Jesus and other Christian role models to spur us on. Hebrews 12:1-3
We take time to meditate on what it means to be loved by the God who is Love. 1 John 4:16, 3:1, 4:18
We reflect on the content of our Christian hope: what happened to Jesus - death and resurrection - will happen to us too. I Thessalonians 4:13-18
When Jesus was crucified, he showed us what trusting Love looks like – deep trust in God, generous trust in others. Luke 23:32-46
Jesus called his first disciples “my friends”. In this meditation we allow Jesus to reveal that he is our friend too. John 15:9-15
Love will be tested, just like Jesus was tested in the wilderness. He is now in heaven praying for us that we will be able to endure. Hebrews 4:14-16
We are surrounded by invitations to delight in evil, but Love chooses to rejoice with the truth – truth which sets us free. Philippians 4:8-9
It’s easy to hold on to grievances when someone has hurt us. God’s love forgives and lets go. Matthew 18:21-22
In the stillness Love whispers our name – it is the voice of the God who formed us to love us. Isaiah 43:1-7
Love is not touchy or quick to take offence. Love shows self-control, which is a fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:13-16, 22-23
God’s kind of love is always looking out for the good of others and challenges a “me first” culture. Mark 10:33-45
Let’s imagine Jesus has invited us to meet with Him. In the stillness we listen out for His voice. Song of Songs 2:10-14
If we want to Pursue Love, it’s helpful to remember what God says about Love in His Word. I encourage us to memorise these verses from 1 Corinthians 13. Psalm 119:10-16
How we “see” another person will shape how we treat them. Jesus models the way to honour others and show them Love. John 8:2-11
We’ll slow down for another meditation, and watch Jesus express His Love for His disciples. In our imagination, we are there with Him. John 13: 1-10
Love does not cherish inflated ideas of its own importance. Jesus models the way of humility and invites us to follow Him. Philippians 2:3-11
When you hear someone boast about themselves, it’s always unattractive and belittles others. Love is not like that – we see this clearly in the life of Jesus, the most gifted man who ever lived. (Romans 12:3-6)
The first time we are told what Love is not. Making comparisons with others can lead to envy with toxic consequences. God’s Love always seeks the best for the other person. We can see this modelled within God, the Trinity. (Genesis 4:2-12)
We need to learn to be still to hear God’s voice clearly. This meditation will gently lead us as we imagine a loving encounter with Jesus over a meal. (Rev 3:20 and “Love” by George Herbert)
Love is kind sounds very ‘nice’, but actually, it requires us to awaken our imagination and dare to express Love in unexpected ways. (Mark 14:3-9)
Now we dive into the detail. Each reflection includes a linked Scripture (here Colossians 3:12-14) which throws light on that aspect of Love. A variety of Bible translations can help us grasp the full meaning.
The first of our meditations which go at a slower pace (12-15mins) Find a quiet space and, as you listen to Scriptures with stillness in-between, be open to how God reveals His Love to you. Today Psalm 103.
God is Love and He invites us on a journey deeper into His Love, especially in tough times. God’s Love is held up like a diamond in its multi-faceted beauty.
The first of a series of reflections on 1 Corinthians 13 (lasting 6-8mins). This gives the context for Paul’s description of God’s kind of Love as “the most excellent way”. Be open to seeing signs of God’s Love today.
God's kind of love is like a diamond with multiple facets reflecting the light. Let's take a slow walk together through 1 Corinthians chapter 13 and grasp more of God's love for us, encounter God's love in Jesus and see what it might look like when we actively Pursue Love in our lives.