Hello All,
Our devotional today is given by Joya Ogier. She is a senior from Orlando, Florida majoring in film, television, and digital media (FTDM) with minors in both journalism and deaf studies. Joya is the current president Every Nation Campus (ENC), a campus ministry here at TCU. The campus minister of ENC, Bria Lacour, had this to share about Joya, “Joya truly lives up to her name — she’s a joy and light to so many on our campus. It has been a delight to watch her grow in leadership and faith. She embodies all that we aspire to be in ENC by welcoming students of all backgrounds into our community!” Joya is also active in Greek life as a member of Phi Mu sorority. You can also find her on air at KTCU radio station as she hosts The Radio Girls every Wednesday morning from 8-10am. Joya also loves photography, and when she has free time you can find her with a camera in her hand taking pictures. May her reflection today remind us that God’s answer is always love. –Rev. Lea McCracken, Associate Chaplain
Scripture: Matthew 22: 37-39
– Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Reflection:
Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:37-39 that the greatest commandments are to love God fully and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This verse reminds us that loving others starts with the love we give ourselves. I’ve been following Jesus for around five years, and I can honestly say this is still a daily struggle. Comparison is a constant battle. Some days I enjoy being with people, and other times, when I’m alone, I feel empty and uncomfortable in my own company. I’ve looked in the mirror and hated what I saw. I’ve gotten test grades back and thought, “How dumb am I?” I’ve watched friends get into relationships and wondered, “What’s wrong with me?” If we can’t love ourselves, it’s hard to love others in a healthy, full way. But God calls us to see ourselves as He sees us: Fearfully and wonderfully made, forgiven, and chosen. When we speak truth over ourselves, forgive those who hurt us, and rely on God’s grace, our hearts are transformed. Then, loving others isn’t just a command, it becomes a natural overflow of God’s love in us. Once we learn to love ourselves, we are equipped to love others in a way that reflects Christ. Loving yourself is not selfish. It’s essential. It is the foundation for loving our neighbors, our friends, and even strangers. Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:37-39 remind us: love God fully, love yourself deeply, and then extend that love to everyone around you.
Prayer:
Lord, I thank you for everyone reading this today. Jesus, I pray today you can fill them with the strength to forgive the ones who have hurt them. Jesus, I ask you to help guide us, to show us how to love others. Thank you for forgiving us and showing us what it means to be loved.