Lectio Divina: Love and Compassion
Date: April 7, 2025
Scripture: Colossians 3:12-15

Josh Lott

Part 1: Inward Focus
Welcome & Introduction
Welcome, everyone. It’s good to be with you today. This month, our theme is love and compassion. These are not just concepts but essential characteristics of our life with Christ. They shape how we see ourselves and how we interact with others. Today, we will reflect on Colossians 3:12-15, a passage that calls us to embody God’s love and compassion in our daily lives.

As I read, I invite you to turn your thoughts toward the Lord. Ask Him to open your heart and ears to His voice. Let’s take this time to rest in His presence and let your heart be prompted toward gratitude as you reflect on these questions.

How have you experienced His love and compassion lately?

Pause

Where has He been showing you kindness?

Pause

 Colossians 3:12-15 (NIV)
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Pause

Part 2: Outward Focus
As we hear this passage again, I invite you to think of a young person in your life who needs to hear these words today. Someone who especially needs to experience God’s love and compassion. Maybe it’s a student who is struggling, a friend who feels isolated, or someone carrying a heavy burden.

As you listen, consider how this passage might change your perspective toward them. How might God be inviting you to be an instrument of His love and peace in their life?

Colossians 3:12-15 (NIV)
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Pause

Part 3: Wesleyan Covenant Prayer
To close, let us pray together the Wesleyan Covenant Prayer. May this be a declaration of surrender, a reminder that our lives belong fully to Christ and His purposes.

John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer:
I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, place me with whom you will.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be put to work for you or set aside for you, praised for you or criticized for you.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and fully surrender all things to your glory and service.
And now, O wonderful and holy God, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, You are mine, and I am yours.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it also be made in heaven.
Amen.

Go in peace, clothed in His love and compassion.

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