The following is an excerpt from Love is a Verb: A one-year spiritual practice resource, written by Leo Hartshorn. The resource explores the 2017 convention theme Love is a Verb through the lens of Richard Foster’s six spiritual streams. Download the entire booklet from the Mennonite Church USA resource center.
We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us — and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.—1 John 3:16-18 (NRSV)
Week of July 3–9
Find a solitary place. Light a candle to represent the presence of God’s flaming Spirit. Sit in silence for a few minutes. Clear your mind of thoughts and distractions. Take several deep breaths in and out. Slowly breathe in, meditating on the phrase Love in truth. Slowly breathe out, meditating on the phrase Love in action. Sit in silence for several minutes.
Open the Bible and read through the theme text. Over the week, as you ponder the text each day, reflect on these questions and how they connect to your life. Focus on one question per day:
