“Selflessness is my true self. Love is my true character. Love is my name.” – Thomas Merton, A Book of Hours

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Listen to my song “Love Will Always Lead You Home” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

Support my ministry by purchasing my songs and books at the links below the following scripture reflection. Thank you!

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Psalm 31:6

Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, Lord, God of truth.

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Jesus recited these words as he died on the cross (Luke 23:46).

When the people heard him, they would have realized that he was proclaiming the whole psalm, not just part of it.

Jesus was not only claiming that he would be redeemed by God, but was also encouraging us in the psalm’s final line which states: “Be strong and take heart, all who hope in the Lord.”

This idea of commending your spirit to God or laying down your life in the name of Love – remember, “God is love” (1 John 4:8) – is the model for living a Christian life in each moment.

It is living out Jesus’ famous quote: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit” (John 12:24).

When I let go of my ego’s self-centered desires, in a sense dying to my false self, I am open to hearing the Spirit’s desires spoken silently in the depths of my heart.

(Some form of meditation such as Centering Prayer is very helpful.)

This is the way to living as my true self as well as living a truly abundant life.

It is the path to salvation, a term that unfortunately has been warped by doctrinal baggage evoking fear.

But since God is love, scripture also states: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).

Fear dissolves in the light of Love!

St. Paul tells us to work out our salvation for “God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work” (Philippians 2:13).

Salvation means wholeness and therefore living as the unique reflection of the Love that created you.

It is the purpose of our lives!

What could be more important?

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Listen to the song of the day “Love Will Always Lead You Home” on the Mercy Reigns album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!