2024 Wesley Community Lenten Devotional
Let Love Lead the Way
Week Seven
Rev. CESAR LODIHA AKOKA
Community ConnectionsWTS MDiv student; Military Chaplaincy, Africa University; West Congo Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Favorite Love Song"Unchained Melody" by The Righteous BrothersFavorite Love QuoteI have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love." -- Mother Teresa
Love Is All About Being the Light of the World
Matthew 5:14–16
A
s for me, love is often described as being the light of the world, and it is easy to see why. Just like a light shining in the darkness brings illumination, warmth, comfort, and guidance, love has the power to illuminate the lives of those it touches. Love has the ability to uplift, inspire, and bring joy to both the giver and receiver.
In my own life, I have experienced the transformative power of love in many ways. Whether it be through the love of family, friends, or my romantic lovely wife, love has brought light into my darkest days and provided me with hope and strength to keep moving forward. Love has the ability to heal wounds, mend broken hearts, and bring people together in a way that nothing else can.
Being the light of the world through love is not always easy. It requires us to be selfless, compassionate, and understanding towards others. It means showing kindness and empathy to those who may not always deserve it and forgiving those who have wronged us. It means choosing to see the good in people and situations, even when it may be hard to find.
But the rewards of being the light of the world through love far outweigh the challenges. When we choose to operate from a place of love, we not only bring joy and happiness to others, but we also experience a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose in our own lives. Love has the power to create a ripple effect, spreading kindness and positivity wherever it goes.
So, let us strive to be the light of the world, through love, in everything we do. Let us be a beacon of hope and inspiration to those around us, shining brightly in a world that can sometimes feel dark and cold. And let us remember that love is the greatest gift we can give and receive, and it has the power to truly change the world for the better.
Reflection Prompt: Are you the light of the world or the darkness of the world?
Praying Through The Seasons With Wesley
Journey with Wesley Theological Seminary (WTS) through the seasons of the liturgical and academic year. Connect through prayer with the Wesley Community, on campus and in ministry around the world.
Please return here each season to rekindle a rhythm of prayer that unites the Wesley Family, no matter where we are.