Truth in Love

But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head – Christ. – (Ephesians 4:15, HCSB)

No, we will speak the truth with love. We will grow to be like Christ in every way. He is the head. – (Ephesians 4:15, ERV)

Instead, by truth spoken in love, we are to grow in every way into Him – the Anointed One, the head. – (Ephesians 4:15, VOICE)

To be like Christ, we are called to speak the truth in love. The more we grow in Him, the more natural this becomes a part of who we are. Truth is necessary, but delivery matters. If we speak the truth without love, it can come across as harsh or mean, but when it is spoken in love, it is better received as it has no intent to harm. Correction, redirection, encouragement and more are all things that either fall on deaf ears or are received out of fear, rather than received and taken to heart when love is absent. The more we spend time with Christ, the more we grow to be like Him, and reflect His goodness and grace through love to those around us. May we ever seek the Lord to grow us more like Him, and listen to His leading so that we best know how to speak the truth with love.

Lord, help us speak truth,

that’s guided by love;

only good intent,

reflect God above.

Show us Lord Jesus,

Your love and Your grace;

so we give likewise,

throughout all our days.

In all that we do,

and all that we say;

let Your love guide us,

so in You, we stay.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to speak the truth in love. Thank You that as we do, we grow more like You and can more clearly reflect Your heart to the world. Forgive us for the times that we have withheld love in what we have said, or have not spoken truth in Your loving ways. Teach us to seek You before we speak, and to listen to Your leading in what we say. Show us how to speak the truth in love in ways that make Your heart known to those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to speak the truth in love in all things and at all times. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:6-7

Forgive

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven out debtors. – (Matthew 6:12, NIV)

Forgive our sins, just as we have forgiven those who did wrong to us. – (Matthew 6:12, ERV)

And forgive us out debts as we forgive those who owe us something. – (Matthew 6:12, VOICE)

Yesterday, at church, our current series in the Lord’s Prayer continued with the verse above. As the pastor was unpacking the process, I felt pretty okay about my own heart, as I am fairly quick to listen to His prompting and forgive others and ask for His forgiveness for myself. Then, not even an hour after I returned home, I spoke on the phone with a dear friend, and she unpacked a harrowing tale of injustice and horrible misjudgment that could have cost her life. Thankfully, she is okay now, but the anger and frustration at what transpired rose up in me as she unpacked her story. After we had spoken for a while, the still small voice reminded me of what I had just heard in church. We talked about how forgiveness does not mean mistreatment is ever okay, but rather it releases the offended from the weight of a grudge or desire for revenge. In the arena where she suffered, corrective action must be taken, yet it does not have to come from a place of anger. When forgiveness enters in, there is opportunity to educate and inform many as to what should have transpired, rather than continually “throwing stones” to retaliate. I imagine in this circumstance, as in so many others, forgiveness will have to be practiced again and again before the anger and frustration subside. God is good, and He can use all things for His glory. I loathe that she experienced what she did, but can only imagine how God will turn it around to bring positive change for many. The final verse that the pastor shared toward the close of his message is one that resonates in this situation as well. When Jesus was hanging on the cross, unjustly, and had been beaten, flogged, spat on, insulted and mocked, His final words were, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” (Luke 23:24) In my friend’s case, I believe similar words ring true, as they clearly did not know what they were doing, nor did they realize the damage that their words and actions caused. May we ever seek the Lord to show us again and again how to forgive, and ever ask for forgiveness ourselves. We all fall short and need the Savior to cleanse us from our unrighteousness and keep us in His loving care.

We’re purposely called,

to pray to the Lord;

ask for forgiveness,

not keep wrongs ignored.

Also, He calls us,

to choose to forgive;

the sins against us,

each day that we live.

Forgive all the wrongs,

no matter how bad;

for He took the cross,

so we’d understand.

Understand His grace,

forgiveness and love;

and how we are called,

to do as He does.

If He could forgive,

when He’d done no wrong;

He will help us too,

throughout our life long.

He grants us the strength,

to cling fast to Him;

and release the wrongs,

again and again.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

that You’re always good;

You love and forgive,

make grace understood.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that each time that we seek You to forgive us, You remove our sin from us as far as the east is from the west. Thank You that You call us to do likewise. Not in our own strength, but in Yours. Thank You that when we ask, You empower us to forgive again and again, much in the same way You continue to forgive us for our missteps and shortcomings. Forgive us for the times that we hold onto our own sin or the sin of others rather than releasing all unto You. Teach us to trust You to lead us in Your love so that we can forgive others as we have been forgiven by You. Show us how to love as You do so that all might come to know the power of Your loving kindness and the goodness of Your forgiveness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to forgive others and listen to You to show us what we need to ask You to forgive. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

But with You there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve You. – Psalm 130:4

Love and Loyalty

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bin them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. – (Proverbs 3:3, NIV)

Don’t ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on your heart. – (Proverbs 3:3, ERV)

Stay focused; do not lose sight of mercy and truth; engrave them on a pendant, and hang it around your neck; meditate on them so they are written upon your heart. – (Proverbs 3:3, VOICE)

King Solomon, the son of David, was asked by God what he wanted. Solomon could have asked for power, wealth, long life, etc., but he asked for a heart of wisdom to lead God’s people well. Because God was well-pleased with Solomon’s request, He gave him wisdom beyond what had ever been seen before or since. This Proverb is one of the many written by Solomon during his reign. Love and faithfulness need to be in the forefront of our mind and heart in all that we say and do. To place something around one’s neck is a constant reminder, as is writing something upon one’s heart. Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone chose to allow love and faithfulness to be the motivation in all that was said and done? The more we follow after God with our whole heart, the more we are able to demonstrate what it is to faithfully and loyally love. May we ever pursue God and His heart for the world so that we may let love and faithfulness lead us in all that we say and do.

Let true loyalty,

If we all had the love and loyalty of dogs…❤

and love for the Lord;

be that which leads us,

for His grace affords.

He grants us wisdom,

goodness and His grace;

He leads and guides us,

as we seek His face.

So, keep seeking God,

and let His love reign;

His loving kindness,

will show us the way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love and loyalty as a way of life. Thank You for the faithful who have show us what it is to follow after You wholeheartedly. Forgive us for the times that we have not. Teach us to trust You more so that Your love and faithfulness will be imprinted upon our heart in such a way that we cannot help but mirror that which we have been given by You. Show us how to love all whom we encounter. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for loving us faithfully, even when we are faithless. Grow us, Lord Jesus, in Your goodness and grace. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; love and faithfulness go before You. – Psalm 89:14

Liberate the Lost

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. – (Luke 19:10, NIV)

The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them. – (Luke 19:10, ERV)

For the Son of Man came to seek and to liberate the lost. – (Luke 19:10, VOICE)

Jesus came down from heaven to earth to seek out those who were far from God. His sacrifice set us free from the weight of sin and shame and made the way for us to be found in Him. Our salvation is not because of anything we have or have not done, but rather is the goodness and grace of God given to all who trust and believe. Because of Jesus, we have hope both here and now, and for all eternity. May we ever praise and thank the One who set us free, and seek Him to live and love as He has done for us.

If not for Jesus,

we all would be lost;

stuck in sin and shame,

yet He paid the cost.

He came near to us,

and showed us the way;

to live out His love,

throughout each new day.

For as we receive,

what He freely gives;

the weight is lifted,

so in Him, we live.

Live not just today,

but forever more;

eternal future,

with Him we adore.

His loving kindness,

has come set us free;

lost liberated,

our hope guaranteed.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to liberate the lost. Thank You that as we seek You, we are found. Thank You that You forgive us and set us free from our sin and shame so that we may walk in Your ways and love as You love us. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to live and love as You intended. Teach us to trust You more so that we forever keep an eternal perspective in all that we say and do. Show us how to love like You in all things and at all times. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for seeking us out and setting us free so that we could come to know and trust You. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. – Romans 8:1-2

Encourage the Good

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. – (Hebrews 10:24, NIV)

We should think about each other to see how we can encourage each other to show love and do good works. – (Hebrews 10:24, ERV)

Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds. – (Hebrews 10:24, VOICE)

When we have an “otherly” outlook, we find opportunities to encourage and love those around us. However, if we only fix our eyes on our own struggles and obstacles, we miss the chance to love as God intended for us to love one another. Incredibly, the more I find spaces to encourage and love those around me, the less I am burdened by the challenges that I face. There is something in actively considering how to love and do good, that places what lies before us into His capable hand so that we need not worry nor be consumed by all that life brings. He is good, and His love endures forever. When we experience the goodness and fullness of God’s love, we cannot help but be compelled to give likewise. May we ever look to Christ to lead us in His love so that we can give the good that He intended.

The more that we love,

the more love’s received;

God’s heart is made known,

through those who believe.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

throughout each new day;

to love and do good,

for You make the way.

Please show us Your heart,

in each circumstance;

lead us in Your love,

so good has a chance.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and loving, and that Your heart for us is the same. Forgive us for the times that we have not sought You to be “otherly” and were too focused on ourselves. Teach us how to seek You and look for every opportunity to encourage and do good wherever we are. Show us Your heart for those around us so that we can love like You. Lead us to those who need encouraging, and help us to love well and do good. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to love, encourage, and do good wherever we go. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

All Things Always

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. – (Colossians 1:17, NIV)

The Son was there before anything was made. And all things continue because of Him. – (Colossians 1:17, ERV)

He has always been! It is His hand that holds everything together. – (Colossians 1:17, VOICE)

In this passage in Colossians, Paul pointed to the eternity of Jesus. Because this concept is so beyond human understanding, it helps to look back and read in Genesis 1, as we read, “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26, HCSB) The Us and Our are God referencing Himself and Jesus, His Son. I cannot pretend to understand the concept of no beginning and no end, but I can embrace the goodness and grace that God gives to us through Jesus. Jesus was God in the flesh so that we might know and understand that He is loving, kind, forgiving, for us, and the One who heals and sets us free. Because the Son was there before anything was made, He knows how to hold all things together. For me, this provides the assurance that I am loved and upheld by His mighty hands. May we ever seek the Lord to show us more and more of Himself, and look to the Word to remind of the truth.

Before all things were,

was eternity;

found in the Father,

and the Prince of Peace.

Called to existence,

all things by the Lord;

made in their image,

we’re loved and adored.

Granted Their goodness,

love and strength to grow;

wisdom, forgiveness,

and hope that we know.

May we ever seek,

come to understand;

the glory of God,

and the Son of man.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us Your word to show us who You are and how Your love and power know no beginning nor end. Forgive us for our doubts when we cannot fathom the endlessness of You. Lead us to ever pursue more of You. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your heart known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to know You more, and trust You in the things that we cannot yet grasp. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. – Psalm 16:11

Good Silences Foolishness

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. – (1 Peter 2:15, NIV)

When you do good, you stop ignorant people from saying foolish things about you. This is what God wants. – (1 Peter 2:15, ERV)

You see, it is God’s will that by doing what is right and good you should hush the gabbing ignorance of the foolish. – (1 Peter 2:15, VOICE)

When we do what is right, people know that good is our intent. What we do over and over again is what speaks for our character. For a person whose character is known to be good, foolish people have nothing to say that will stick. The more we do what is right, ignorant foolish talk is silenced. If we remember that what we say and do is unto God, the more we make choices that are good. In all things, may we seek to do good as unto the Lord, for it is by our love that His heart is made known.

It is the Lord’s will,

that we choose do good;

for as we do so,

His love’s understood.

The foolish talkers,

have nothing to say;

when we serve the Lord,

and walk in His way.

For who can bad mouth,

the things that are right?

They silence foolish,

and bring God delight.

So, trust in the Lord,

choose walk in His way;

do good and love well,

throughout each new day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to do what is good and right in Your sight. Thank You that as we do, ignorant and foolish talk is silenced. Forgive us for the times that we have veered from the good we should have done or have allowed foolish talk a voice. Teach us to trust You more, for it is Your voice that matters most and is the One that we hope to hear say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Show us how to do what is good and right in all things and at all times so that our words and deeds may be pleasing unto You. Lead us to love everyone as You do so that Your heart is made known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in what is good and right and trust You to silence the foolish talk around us. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Love each other in a way that makes you feel close like brothers and sisters. And give each other more honor than you give yourself. – Romans 12:10

Judge Not

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. – (Romans 14:13, NIV)

So we should stop judging each other. Let’s decide not to do anything that will cause a problem for a brother or sister or hurt their faith. – (Romans 14:13, ERV)

In light of this, we must resolve never to judge others and never to place an obstacle or impediment in their paths that could cause them to trip and fall. – (Romans 14:13, VOICE)

We are not called to judge each other, but rather we are asked to help one another do the right thing. This is only possible when we seek the Lord to lead us in His love, and we avoid doing things that could cause someone else to stumble or challenge their trust in God. Unless we know people well, we may not know what might be a stumbling block for them. When our hearts are set on doing good and encouraging one another in love, we can avoid doing thing that could be considered questionable by some. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love, and follow after the example that He has set before us through His Son.

Choose not judge others,

instead seek to love;

let words and actions,

point to God above.

All things with kindness,

with purpose that’s good;

be sure to listen,

so all’s understood.

Choose to hear the heart,

of those who surround;

with love and with grace,

God’s peace will be found.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and that You lead us on the path You have placed before us as we seek to follow after You. Thank You that You remind us that it is not our job to judge others, but rather to help, love, and encourage each other in ways that keep us from stumbling or veering off the path You have for us. Forgive us for the times that we have judged those around us instead of seeking to understand. Show us Your heart for others so that we may see all through Your lens of love. Lead us in Your goodness and grace so that we love others as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your ways and to show us the things that could cause another to stumble that we ought not do. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. – Ephesians 4:2

Evidence Everywhere

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. – (Romans 1:20, NIV)

There are things about God that people cannot see – His eternal power and all that makes Him God. But since the beginning of the world, those things have been easy for people to understand. They are made clear in what God has made. So people have no excuse for the evil they do. – (Romans 1:20, ERV)

From the beginning, creation in its magnificence enlightens us to His nature. Creation itself makes His undying power and divine identity clear, even though they are invisible; and it voids the excuses and ignorant claims of these people. – (Romans 1:20, VOICE)

As someone who has had the opportunity to see many different parts of the world and all the beauty that each place uniquely holds, I cannot fathom how anyone does not believe in God. The majesty of the mountains, the power and tides of the ocean, lush forests, sunrises in the desert, the list is endless of all that our eyes can take in to witness God’s power, care, and creativity. Additionally, He has made each of us unique with a purpose, on purpose. God’s glory knows no end, and the wonder of all that His hands have made make His power and position evident. This past weekend, we have had a few gorgeous days in the Pacific Northwest. When the sun is out and the skies are blue, the glory of the snow-capped mountains are in full view, and the Puget Sound sparkles and points to His heart for us. As someone who loves the outdoors, this passage resonates clearly to me. Each time I pause in wonder at all of the beauty His hands have made, I cannot help but praise Him. The views I have known since childhood still never grow old. I continue to be captivated by the good that His hands intentionally crafted. May we ever recognize the power and divine nature that created all that surrounds us, and give God praise for His wonderful ways.

The power of God,

is on full display;

wherever we look,

we see what He’s made.

All that’s created,

the work of His hands;

goodness and glory,

through sea, sky and land.

And living creatures,

all that does draw breath;

show of His goodness,

from life unto death.

The love that we feel,

the awe that we know;

all point to the Lord,

as His grace is shown.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

for all that You’ve made;

glory and wonder,

for all of our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the beauty and glory of creation that announce Your power and goodness wherever we go. Thank You that the wonder of all that Your hands have made points our hearts to You. Forgive us for the times that we have doubts or are blind to the beauty all around us. Teach us to appreciate all that You have created and to marvel at the work of Your hands. Show us how to love everything and everyone that Your hands have made with purpose, even when we cannot yet see or understand. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, for the evidence of You is everywhere and our eyes and hearts have the joy of seeing Your hand in all things. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars. Praise Him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the Name of the Lord, for at His command they were created. – Psalm 148:3-5

Made Known

If I a not doing My Father’s work, don’t believe Me. But if I am doing them and you don’t believe Me, believe the works. This way you will know and understand that the Father is in Me and I in the Father. – (John 10:37-38, HCSB)

If I don’t do what my Father does, then don’t believe what I say. But if I do what my Father does, you should believe in what I do. You might not believe in Me, but you should believe in the things I do. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in Me and I am in the Father. – (John 10:37-38, ERV)

By all means, do not believe in Me, if I am not doing the things of the Father. But examine My actions, and you will see that My work is the work of the Father. Regardless of whether you believe in Me – believe the miracles. Then you will know that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father. – (John 10:37-38, VOICE)

When the Pharisees and religious leaders of the time were trying to stone Jesus, this was His response. Incredibly, they had all seen and knew of the miracles that Jesus had done and could not argue this truth. As they sought to capture Him, Jesus eluded them, for that time had not yet come. What His example shows us is that if we live out love, Jesus in us will be evident. Our aim ought to be so full of Jesus that people cannot help but see His love in and through us. May we ever seek the Lord so that we are so filled with His goodness and grace that we cannot help but overflow to those around us.

The Lord God with us,

is made evident;

as we love like Him,

the One who was sent.

He showed all goodness,

and living out love;

His words and His deeds,

pointed to above.

He healed the broken,

spoke to the denied;

touched untouchables,

and for all He died.

Death could not hold Him,

the third day He rose;

gave us His Spirit,

so love might be shown.

In all that He did,

and all that He was;

He showed us the way,

to do as He’d done.

May we choose go forth,

do all things in love;

so His heart’s made known,

our Savior above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You came and lived out love so well, that no one could deny the power of God in You and You in Him. Thank You that You showed us the way to live and love like You. Forgive us for every time that we fall short, for we are broken and in need of Your leading every moment of every day. Teach us to trust and follow after You more completely. Show us how to love as You loved. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love, for loving like You testifies the truth of who You are in all things. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

We love because He first loved us. – 1 John 4:19