A Word of Encouragement

January 23, 2026

Who Am I - circa 1975

Grace, Hope & Peace, Friend;

Writing to believers, Paul wrote, "I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." (Romans 12:1) A psalmist wrote,

Sing to the Lord a new song; Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
	Psalm 96:1-3

Worshipping God and sharing the good news of His salvation is our 'spiritual service'. Then the psalmist adds,

Worship the Lord in holy attire;
	Psalm 96:9a

Leviticus and Numbers give intricate details for the clothing priests were to wear in performance of their temple service. And people could easily recognize a priest by their ornate garments - their 'holy attire'.

"What is our 'holy attire'? Is there any special 'garment' we should wear as we share the news of God's reconciliation with humanity?

Writing about how we are to deal with each other, Paul wrote, "In addition to all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity." (Colossians 3:14) And in another letter, he wrote, "Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ." (Ephesians 4:15)

Jesus said

I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.
	John 13:34-35

Love is our 'holy attire'! Everything we do and say should be covered by love. Do people recognize us as Jesus' ambassadors? Do they see His love in us?

We love, because He first loved us.
	1 John 4:19

Elohim Ha'Ahavat Olam - God of Everlasting Love - Thank You for loving me, help me share Your love in everything I do and say.

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
	Colossians 3:23-24

Put on love,