COMMANDMENT OF LOVE

In our Faith in Caregiving series, Veronica Badowski teaches us about the commandment of love. Find strength and joy in the challenging day to day duties of caregiving through faith in God. Learn how prayer, praise, and reading the Word can provide guidance and support on the caregiving journey.

BIBLE REFLECTION

Matthew 22:36-40 (ERV)

“He said, ‘Teacher, which command in the law is the most important?’

“Jesus answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ All of the law and the writings of the prophets take their meaning from these two commands.”

What kinds of things has your love for God motivated you to do for others?

MEDITATION

When we love God with our whole heart and want to obey Him, Holy Spirit nudges and encourages us to love and care for the people in our lives.

Here are just a few ways we can express our love for others:

--remembering to use the words please and thank you

--listening again and again to the antidote they’ve

told at least a hundred times

--taking a deep breath and counting to ten before

speaking when our patience wears thin

--just smiling as our eyes meet theirs

--remembering, this too shall pass

--desiring to share joy even as every bone in our bodies

ache with tiredness

--reaching up to God with this simple prayer offered

under our breath… “Come, Lord Jesus! Be present in this moment.”

YOUR JOURNAL

What loving words or actions seem most important for today? How will you accomplish them?

TODAY’S PRAYER

Lord of Love, thank you for this New Commandment in Your Word. As I strive to obey You, show me how to let Your love shine through my smile, my eyes, and my hands. Make me obedient, and bless me with the gift of patience, especially when mine runs thin. Gracious God, show me how to be compassionate this day and every day. I pray in the name of Him who gave His life for me. Amen

Above is from the book, Holding On With God,

By Veronica Kelly Badowski

You might also like this article:

A Prayer for Caregiver Strength: Finding Hope and Comfort

Find strength and comfort through prayer and faith as a caregiver. Remember that you are not alone in your struggles and learn to lean on God’s love and grace. Find hope and comfort on your caregiving journey.

Caregiver ReliefDiane Carbo