Daily Devotion

Reflection: Terry
Voice: Jennifer Loh

In Deed and Truth

Audio

Today is Wednesday, the 4th of June. We start by preparing our hearts through praying the collect of purity:

Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open, 
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden: 
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, 
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name; 
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

We read Psalm 2:1-8:

Why do the nations rage
    and the peoples plot in vain?
² The kings of the earth set themselves,
    and the rulers take counsel together,
    against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
³ “Let us burst their bonds apart
    and cast away their cords from us.”

⁴ He who sits in the heavens laughs;
    the Lord holds them in derision.
⁵ Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
    and terrify them in his fury, saying,
⁶ “As for me, I have set my King
    on Zion, my holy hill.”

⁷ I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
    today I have begotten you.
⁸ Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
    and the ends of the earth your possession.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as It was in the beginning, is
now, and shall be forever. Amen.

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The Scripture Reading for today is 1 John 3:16-18

¹⁶ By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 
¹⁷ But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 
¹⁸ Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

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Reflection

In the world we live in, love is often understood as an emotion, a feeling, or a good intention. But in the biblical vision, love is expressed “in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). It is not just something we feel—it is something we do.

St John speaks of love that responds to real, tangible needs. Is there someone who lacks the basic necessities of life—food, shelter, or access to medical care? True Christian love notices such needs and moves to meet them.

Even in a prosperous city like ours, there are people, the “hidden needy”, who quietly slip through the cracks. Some face serious crises; others endure long-term struggles that are less visible. While many of us give to and rely on churches and charities to help meet these needs, there is also a personal call: to see, to care, and to act.

And closer to home—within our own communities and churches—there are people with emotional, spiritual, or relational needs. They may not be in crisis, but they still need love. Someone once said that love is time plus energy. To love someone, simply give them a portion of your time and your care.

Will you pray today and ask the Lord to open your eyes to someone who needs love—not in words or feelings alone, but “in deed and in truth”?

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We end with this Collect:

Almighty God, who has shown us the true meaning of love through the life and sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ:
Grant us the grace to love not only in word but also in deed and in truth. Inspire us to serve you and others with willing hearts,
to be a light to those in need, and to walk in love toward all.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. 

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Be blessed by this wonderful song by Ethel Yap

Teresa’s Song (Dare I Go)

How does it feel to be completely alone
How does it feel to have no place to call home
To be a wanderer, forever to roam
Dare I go there with You?

What does it mean to walk in Your steps
What does it mean to give all that I have
Utterly stripped down, laid empty and bare
Dare I go there with You?

Dare I go there with You, Lord?
Dare I go there with You?

What does it look like to have nothing else but You
What does it mean to have all my delight be in You
To let Your joy become my clothes and my food
Fill my cup, Lord, to full

Dare I go there with You, Lord?
Dare I go there with You?
To You I plead, that You’ll supply all I need
Dare I go there with You?



Are You calling me to be hungry?

Are You calling me to be poor?

Am I learning each face is just You in disguise

Do I know that when I’m resting in Your love

Your grace is enough

​Dare I go there with You, Lord?
Dare I go there with You?
To You I plead, that You’ll supply all I need
Dare I go there with You?

Help me be there with You

Link to Today’s full Morning Office