Team #4—Purifying Love

“I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be my people. … I will welcome you. I will be a father to you.” Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 6:16–7:1

“Live with a cripple and you learn to limp,” goes the old saying. Why? Because we feel more comfortable with people when we fit well with them; we accommodate to our associates. But obtaining the pleasure and satisfaction of some relationships means we must abandon others. To swim in the Olympics, we must spend time with the coach and other swimmers, rather than with the mall-rats. To marry someone, we must forsake all other lovers. To have close fellowship with God, we must clean up our lives by rid ourselves of desires that draw us toward things that compete with God for our affections. When we learn to love what he loves and draw close to others who similarly delight in his presence and power, two wonderful changes will occur in us: our hopefulness will make us more beneficial—more holy— to the people around us; and the Lord will pour his goodness into our lives by engaging himself on our behalf. With his input we can avoid being miserable, infantile, and self-centered; instead, we can be joyful, mature, and contributing members of the team.

Holy Father, I do not want to be left on my own. Please grant me joy in what will make me healthy and holy, so my life will be a fitting receptacle for all that you offer me in Jesus. Amen.