Our word for today comes from the 2nd lesson for the 1st Sunday of Advent. Romans 13:11-14 includes this: Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

I had to consult the dictionary before reflecting on this word choice for today. I found Gratify has 3 meanings:

To please or satisfy: synonym: please. “My good grades gratify my parents.” Similar: please

To give in to (a desire); indulge. “He gratified his curiosity by going to the exhibit.”

To reward.

Paul’s use in the Roman’s passage most likely matches the 2nd meaning. To indulge a desire is what Paul is cautioning us against. “Make no provision for the flesh”, in other words, don’t make room in your life for indulging in the wrong things. Instead Paul implores us to live honorably, and we do that by putting on Jesus and leaving no room for temptations of the flesh. Way easier said than done, but we should strive to not to “given in, indulge” as the definition says. But gratify certainly can have a positive connotation – to please. Let our walk with Christ be gratifying to our Lord. Walk in love, y’all! As Christ loves us.