Dave's Diary

Today we begin our new series on four of the foundational Christian values for our families and friendships. These are four foundational principles to live by. We might say they are four qualities to hold central to our daily lives and relationships. They are four points of a compass showing us the way to live. And as followers of Jesus Christ, where else could one possibly start but with Love – the true north of every Christ-follower’s life?

Daily Reading: Proverbs 15:17

Each week of this series we’ll start with a pithy Proverb about the value of the week. Today’s is a vivid one from Proverbs 15:17: “Better a dish of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.” (NIVUK) Or, as Eugene Petersen phrased it in “The Message”: “Better a bread crust shared in love than a slab of prime rib served in hate.” (The Message)

The author of this proverb hit the nail on the head. It quite self-evidently means that the simplest and cheapest of meals can be an absolute feast when it is enjoyed with others in a spirit of love; while even the most sumptuous gourmet meal can be utterly ruined when there is strife and conflict around the table.

But there is also a deeper principle at play here. The Proverb also means that any moment of life, any conversation or interaction can be beautifully enriched if it is infused with love. Love is the spice that adds a beautifully divine flavour to any occasion. Would you allow the Holy Spirit to direct your thoughts back to this proverb throughout the day today? Let Him inspire you, in each moment of interaction with family, friends, colleagues, or even strangers, to flavour your words and actions with selfless love. Prioritising the other because of love will mean listening more intently, responding more patiently and compassionately, seeking to understand rather than to be understood, seeking to serve rather than to be served, and seeking to give rather than to receive. Proverbs 15:17 promises us that if we will live this way, every moment of our day will be enriched with Godly flavour and fulfilment.

God of Unfailing Love, fill me with Your love. Grant me the grace to infuse each conversation and interaction I have with anyone else today with the overflow of Your love. Amen.