- 38 Johnsons Mill Road
- Orrington
- ME
- 04474
(207) 825-3404
Email Us
DEVOTION:
Colossians 3:12–15
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
THOUGHT: ( a little different than normal in thoughts)
There is something sacred about being called to live among others, not in isolation, but in relationship. It is easy to imagine faith as something personal and quiet, something contained between God and ourselves. But the truth is, faith quickly becomes visible in how we live with people—especially when those relationships stretch us. It is not difficult to show kindness when kindness is returned. It is not difficult to be patient when life feels smooth and predictable. But the true testing of the heart comes in those moments when we are misunderstood, overlooked, or wounded. These are the moments when something deeper is being formed within us. We begin to see what still lives inside—our pride, our desire to protect ourselves, our tendency to withdraw rather than remain present. There are times when pulling away feels safer. When building a quiet distance seems easier than doing the hard work of staying. And yet, there is a quiet invitation from God to remain clothed in compassion, even when it costs us something. To remain gentle, even when we could justify harshness. To remain patient, even when every part of us wants resolution now.
This does not mean ignoring hurt or pretending pain does not exist. It means choosing not to let hurt have the final voice. It means allowing love to be stronger than offense, and forgiveness to loosen the grip of resentment before it hardens the heart. This kind of love is not natural. It is formed slowly, often in the very places we would rather avoid. Looking back, it becomes clear that some of the most difficult relationships have also been the most shaping. They have exposed what was hidden. They have taught humility. They have softened places that once felt rigid. In those moments, God was quietly at work, clothing the soul with something lasting. There is a peace that begins to take root when we stop trying to control every outcome and instead allow Christ to govern the heart. It is not the peace of perfect circumstances, but the peace of knowing we are being formed into His likeness. It steadies us. It keeps us present. It reminds us that love is not proven in ease, but in endurance. If you find yourself in a season where relationships feel heavy, where patience feels thin, or forgiveness feels distant, know that God is not absent from that space. He is present in the tension, gently shaping your heart. And as difficult as it may feel, He is clothing you with something eternal—something that will not fade.
PRAYER:
Almighty and Holy God, Lord, You know how easy it is for my heart to grow tired. You see the places where I have been hurt, the moments when I have wanted to step back and protect myself. Yet You continue to invite me to live differently. You call me to compassion when it would be easier to harden. You call me to patience when I want an immediate resolution. You call me to forgiveness when I would rather hold on. You call me to love even when personal attacks hit deep.
Father God, Clothe my heart with Your love. Quiet the voices within me that seek to withdraw, and instead let Your peace settle deeply within. Teach me how to remain present, how to bear with others as You have borne with me. Help me to release what I cannot control and trust that You are at work, even here. Thank You for never turning away from me, even in my own weakness. Form in me a heart that reflects Yours—steady, compassionate, and at peace. Father, I pray this to You in Jesus’ name. Amen
DEVOTION:
Colossians 3:12–15
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
THOUGHT: ( a little different than normal in thoughts)
There is something sacred about being called to live among others, not in isolation, but in relationship. It is easy to imagine faith as something personal and quiet, something contained between God and ourselves. But the truth is, faith quickly becomes visible in how we live with people—especially when those relationships stretch us. It is not difficult to show kindness when kindness is returned. It is not difficult to be patient when life feels smooth and predictable. But the true testing of the heart comes in those moments when we are misunderstood, overlooked, or wounded. These are the moments when something deeper is being formed within us. We begin to see what still lives inside—our pride, our desire to protect ourselves, our tendency to withdraw rather than remain present. There are times when pulling away feels safer. When building a quiet distance seems easier than doing the hard work of staying. And yet, there is a quiet invitation from God to remain clothed in compassion, even when it costs us something. To remain gentle, even when we could justify harshness. To remain patient, even when every part of us wants resolution now.
This does not mean ignoring hurt or pretending pain does not exist. It means choosing not to let hurt have the final voice. It means allowing love to be stronger than offense, and forgiveness to loosen the grip of resentment before it hardens the heart. This kind of love is not natural. It is formed slowly, often in the very places we would rather avoid. Looking back, it becomes clear that some of the most difficult relationships have also been the most shaping. They have exposed what was hidden. They have taught humility. They have softened places that once felt rigid. In those moments, God was quietly at work, clothing the soul with something lasting. There is a peace that begins to take root when we stop trying to control every outcome and instead allow Christ to govern the heart. It is not the peace of perfect circumstances, but the peace of knowing we are being formed into His likeness. It steadies us. It keeps us present. It reminds us that love is not proven in ease, but in endurance. If you find yourself in a season where relationships feel heavy, where patience feels thin, or forgiveness feels distant, know that God is not absent from that space. He is present in the tension, gently shaping your heart. And as difficult as it may feel, He is clothing you with something eternal—something that will not fade.
PRAYER:
Almighty and Holy God, Lord, You know how easy it is for my heart to grow tired. You see the places where I have been hurt, the moments when I have wanted to step back and protect myself. Yet You continue to invite me to live differently. You call me to compassion when it would be easier to harden. You call me to patience when I want an immediate resolution. You call me to forgiveness when I would rather hold on. You call me to love even when personal attacks hit deep.
Father God, Clothe my heart with Your love. Quiet the voices within me that seek to withdraw, and instead let Your peace settle deeply within. Teach me how to remain present, how to bear with others as You have borne with me. Help me to release what I cannot control and trust that You are at work, even here. Thank You for never turning away from me, even in my own weakness. Form in me a heart that reflects Yours—steady, compassionate, and at peace. Father, I pray this to You in Jesus’ name. Amen