I Choose Love

This was a responsive reading at Church of the Good Shepherd (Swedenborgian) this morning, and I thought I'd pass it on:

RESPONSIVE AFFIRMATION

 OF OUR COMMITMENT TO BE REAL

(adapted from Max Lucado's Grace For The Moment)

It's early...The day is coming.

It is now that I must make a choice.

Because of Jesus, I'm free to choose. And so I choose.

I choose love.

No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I choose joy.

I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I choose patience.

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Rather than complain the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray.

I choose kindness.

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone; kind to the rich, for they are afraid; kind to the unkind, for that is how God has treated me.

I choose goodness.

I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be over-looked before I will boast. I will confess before I accuse.

I choose faithfulness.

Today I will keep my promises. Those closest to me will not question my love. Neighbours and strangers will not doubt my word.

I choose gentleness.

Nothing is won by force. If I raise my voice, may it only be in praise.

I choose self-control.

I am a spiritual being. I will impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by my God.

Love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control:

to these I commit my day.

If I succeed, I will give thanks.

If I fail, I will seek His grace.

And then, when this day is done,

I will be content to rest in His peace.