Today’s scripture: Colossians 3:8-17 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (David Squire):
These aren’t my thoughts, but rather a short passage from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together.
“The first service that one owes to others in community consists in listening to them.
Just as love for God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them. It is God’s love for us that He not only gives His Word but also lends us His ear…
Many people are looking for an ear that will listen. They do not find it among Christians because these Christians are talking where they should be listening. But he who can no longer listen to his brother will soon be no longer listening to God either; he will be doing nothing but prattle in the presence of God.
This is the beginning of the death of the spiritual life, and, in the end, there is nothing left but spiritual chatter and clerical condescension arrayed in pious words.”
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together.
Thought and prayer for the day: When my first impulse is to talk — to offer advice, to tell my side of the story, or just to go off on my own tangent — God, help me to really listen to my sister or brother.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. Use the item above as a starting point, or consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.