Kindness, Compassion, Forgiveness and Love

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – (Ephesians 4:32, NIV)

Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ. – (Ephesians 4:32, ERV)

Instead, be kind and compassionate. Graciously forgive one another just as God has forgiven you through the Anointed, our Liberating King. – (Ephesians 4:32, VOICE)

Being kind, compassionate and loving requires an intentional decision to extend what we have been given by God to those around us. We always have a choice as to how we will interact and respond to one another. Each time we choose kindness and compassion, we help another feel loved. Forgiveness is necessary, for we are told that we must forgive as we have been forgiven. We need Jesus to forgive this way, and must turn to Him for help again and again. As one who has received kindness, compassion and love when I have needed it most, I am compelled to seek the Lord to help me do likewise. The same is true with forgiveness. There are times I fall short and need to ask forgiveness for lacking the grace I needed to give. Likewise, there are situations and circumstances where we may have to choose to forgive again and again, as unforgiveness tries to creep and create bitterness. What seems to help the most is to not only forgive (meaning releasing the right to revenge or hold onto the hurt) and instead place all in God’s hands. It does not mean that we give people a pass to mistreat us, but rather we let go of the weight that unforgiveness creates in our heart and give it to God so that we can move on. Incredibly, when I slow down and seek to understand, I find that kindness and compassion rise up within me and I am better able to love. God is faithful to meet us as we seek Him, and He will equip us to love as He loves when we ask and depend on Him. May we ever seek the Lord to help us be compassionate and kind, extending love and forgiveness to all with whom we interact.

In love, we are called,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

to seek God for all;

to give as He gives,

as grace He installs.

He gives compassion,

forgiveness and grace;

His love, unending,

throughout all our days.

He asks us the same,

to do as He does;

so His grace is known,

may all be in love.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

to always be kind;

extend compassion,

it’s what You’ve in mind.

Forgive each other,

as He’s done for us;

may love ever lead,

to do as He does.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us kindness, compassion, forgiveness and love. Thank You that as we ask, You meet us where we are and show us Your goodness and grace that sets us free. Forgive us for the times that we have been lacking in any of these. Teach us to rely on You to provide what we need to extend the good You give, and to release the anger, hurt or frustration so that we can forgive as You forgive us. Show us how to love with kindness and compassion for all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and trust You to lead us in You love in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us – not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. – Titus 3:4-5

Good Works Lead to Love and Loyalty

Don’t those who plan evil go astray? But those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness. – (Proverbs 14:22, HCSB)

Whoever works to do good will find love and loyalty. It is a mistake to work at doing evil. – (Proverbs 14:22, ERV)

Isn’t it obvious that conspirators lose out, while the thoughtful win love and trust? – (Proverbs 14:22, MSG)

When we choose to do good, good things come our way. If we choose to do that which is not right, we start down a slippery slope. Loyalty, faithfulness, love and trust are what grow from good works. A plan to do good is a plan to choose love again and again. As I consider those to whom I feel loyal to and trust, I realize it is the people in my life who continually choose to do good. Their words and actions align with love, and they continually demonstrate that they deserve trust. No one is perfect and we all fall short, but it is the heart of people that seek to do good that discover love and loyalty, trust and faithfulness. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to do good, and give Him thanks for the goodness that He provides.

To choose to do good,

is how we should be;

for as we do so,

we find the Lord’s peace.

Trust and faithfulness,

love and loyalty;

are what is returned,

as good’s done freely.

Lord, lead and guide us,

to walk in Your way;

so we choose do good,

throughout each new day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and You deserve all of our love, loyalty, trust and faithfulness. Thank You that You designed us to do the same. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to do the good You intended. Teach us to choose to live and love like You, so that good is what we offer to the world. Show us how to love those around us well, in word and in deed, so that Your heart is made evident to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to do good at all times. Amen.

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

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

So Loved

For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. – (John 3:16, HCSB)

Yes, God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him would not be lost but have eternal life. – (John 3:16, ERV)

For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life. – (John 3:16, VOICE)

Nothing compares to the overwhelming, all-encompassing, sacrificial love of God. His love knows no bounds, and our understanding of such is but a glimpse of His true goodness. The best way for us to begin to comprehend the incomparable love is to look to Jesus and how He laid down His life to save ours. Even more, this incredible love grants us a free will and a choice as to whether or not we receive all that He has to offer. For those who choose to believe and receive, He is preparing a place for us for all eternity. I don’t know about you, but the very thought of a place prepared for us by the God who created such beauty throughout the heavens and the earth, is both overwhelming and exciting. We are so loved. Incredibly, His love is not limited to those who believe. He loves all and longs for each to turn to Him in trust. May we ever seek the Lord to grow our understanding of how we are loved, and in turn, how we were created to love in the same way.

There is such a love,

that knows of no bounds;

It searches for lost,

until they are found.

Love laid down His life,

so I might know mine;

forever with Him,

throughout all of time.

Love everlasting,

beyond all we know;

treasures in heaven,

and here down below.

As we choose to trust,

we soon understand;

how we are so loved,

was always God’s plan.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You so loved us that You gave Your one and only Son so that we might come to know life forever in You. Thank You for the people You have placed in our lives that show us glimpses of the goodness of Your perfect love. Forgive us for the times that we have either rejected the love You have for us, or have withheld love where we were meant to give. Teach us to trust You and follow Your leading, for You love in all things and at all times. Show us how to love others so that they understand how they are so loved. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You in awe and wonder and give You thanks that we are so very loved. Amen.

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

This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you. – John 15:12

To Find Life

Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. – (Proverbs 21:21, NIV)

People who try hard to do good and be faithful will find life, goodness, and honor. – (Proverbs 21:21, ERV)

Whoever pursues justice and treats others with kindness discovers true life marked by integrity and respect. – (Proverbs 21:21, VOICE)

The more we pursue what is good, right and just, the more we discover a life filled with goodness and respect. This does not mean that all is free from challenge and trouble, but it does mean that the love we choose to continually give is seen and known, and our heart and intent are clear, despite what comes our way. God is good, and His ways are right and true. As we trust and follow Him, we naturally seek to treat others with kindness, just as He has done for us. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in what is just and kind, and may our lives be marked with integrity and respect as we love as God designed us to love.

Pursue what is just,

with integrity;

for in doing so,

we find we are free.

Free to love all those,

throughout each new day;

whom we encounter,

as we live His way.

Goodness and justice,

peace and the Lord’s grace;

extended in love,

make the Lord’s love plain.

So, ever seek Him,

and do as He does;

for everything,

is done in His love.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to do good and what is just. Thank You that as we choose to love like You, we discover Your goodness and grace that is poured out upon us. Forgive us for the times that we have not responded to those around us with Your love that is just and good and right. Teach us to seek You to lead us in all things and all times. Show us how to love as You love, with goodness and grace, justice and faithfulness. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ever seek You to lead us in Your love that is just and right and leads to life everlasting. Amen.

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

Human, the Lord has told you what goodness is. This is what He wants from you: Be fair to other people, love kindness and loyalty, and humbly obey your God. – Micah 6:8

Trustworthy Content Creator

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. – (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)

Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about what He wants, and He will help you go the right way. – (Proverbs 3:5-6, ERV)

Place your trust in the Eternal; rely on Him completely; never depend on your own ideas and inventions. Give Him the credit for everything you accomplish, and He will smooth out and straighten the road that lies ahead. – (Proverbs 3:5-6, VOICE)

In today’s fast-paced, media saturated, instant access world, what voices are most influential in our lives? I know for many, it is the content creators, the Youtube sensations, and the social media saturated society we live in that speaks volumes and influences beliefs and actions. This is why it is so important to set our hearts on God as we begin each day. As we seek Him, He will show us what is good and point us to the paths we are meant to take. I have to intentionally choose and limit my exposure to the overcrowded spaces that social media, the news, and pop culture that I take in. Who we “follow” greatly impacts the sort of content we take in. Our “feed” speaks volumes about our priorities, and shows us where our heart lies. For me, my “feed” is full of dogs, gymnastics stunts, fitness snippets, bible verse posts, and positive photos and clips of encouraging and uplifting content. Even so, if I spend more time scrolling than I do in His word, I am allowing other people’s content to speak louder than He who created all. When I trust God and seek Him earnestly, He shows me what is good and corrects what is not. He is faithful and trustworthy, and is the One whom we ought to seek to start each day well. May we ever be intentional to spend time with the Lord and in His word, for it is through our trust that we discover the direction He has for us in all things and at all times.

Choose trust in the Lord,

and listen to Him;

He’s faithful to show,

His light where it’s dim.

No matter what trends,

the truth stays the same;

we must choose to trust,

the Name above names.

Trustworthy always,

He makes our paths plain;

His love knows no end,

and His grace, the same.

So, trust in the Lord,

ever seek His face;

may His love lead us,

in wisdom and grace.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can trust in You with all of our heart. Thank You that we need not lean on our own understanding, but rather ought to seek You to show us what is good. Forgive us for the times that we allow the voices around us to speak louder than Your voice within. Teach us to trust You more so that we hear Your voice the most clearly and can silence that which is not of You. Show us the paths that are Your. Lead us to follow after You and love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and the content that You have created for us to follow for all of our days. Amen.

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

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

He Sees

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” – (Genesis 16:13, NIV)

The Lord talked to Hagar. She began to use a new name for God. She said to Him, “You are ‘God Who Sees Me.'” She said this because she thought, “I see that even in this place God sees me and cares for me!” – (Genesis 16:13, ERV)

As a result of this encounter, Hagar decided to give the Eternal One who had spoken to her a special name because He had seen her in her misery. Hagar: I’m going to call You the God of Seeing because in this place I have seen the One who watches over me. – (Genesis 16:13, VOICE)

God’s interaction with Hagar is a wonderful reminder of His care for each of us, individually. He sees and knows our need, and makes His heart for us known as we seek Him. God spoke to Hagar in her space of need, and encouraged her to rise up and press on. For us, He does the same when we look to Him. Our heart is heard and our needs are known and He meets us in our moments with His loving kindness and grace. Though our circumstances may not change, His care and goodness to us will carry us through. Hagar’s circumstances did not change, but her perspective did once she understood the Lord’s care for her. At times, it is difficult to get past the questions as to why we must face and endure the things that come our way. Some people seem to have no obstacles, and then others who do not deserve difficulty and heartache have to endure the most. Thankfully, God is greater than our questions and frustrations. We may not get our answers as to why things happen the way that they do, but He will be present and will provide what we need to press on. His goodness and grace never run out, and His heart for us is one of a loving Father. May we ever seek the Lord in both our struggles and our celebrations, for He is good and is faithful to walk beside us in all things.

Our Holy Father,

is the God who sees;

all that we go through,

and all that we need.

He sees our struggles,

in love, He provides;

His help and His hope,

as we choose abide.

To abide in Him,

means that He is near;

to hear our heartache,

and help us with fear.

His provisions come,

despite what we see;

His presence always,

supplies what we need.

Though answers might not,

explain things we lose;

His love will uphold,

as He’s who we choose.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are bigger than our challenges and circumstances, and that Your love is larger than our questions and our fears. Thank You that You are big enough to handle our questions and love us through our struggles. Forgive us for our anger and frustration when we cannot make sense of what transpires in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Teach us to cling to You, even when things do not make sense. Thank You for the Biblical examples of how You have made Yourself known and shown Your care for those in need throughout the ages. Lead us to love those around us in tangible ways that make Your heart known to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and trust You, even when things seem unfair or do not make sense. Amen.

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

Though the Lord is exalted, He looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, He sees them from afar. – Psalm 138:6

Together in Peace

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. – (1 Peter 3:8, NIV)

So all of you should live together in peace. Try to understand each other. Love each other like brothers and sisters. Be kind and humble. – (1 Peter 3:8, ERV)

Finally, all of you, be like-minded and show sympathy, love, compassion, and humility to and for each other. – (1 Peter 3:8, VOICE)

In order to live in peace, we must try to understand one another, love each other like family, and choose to be humble and kind. When we do these things, we are living as God intended us to live. He created us for community and His plans for us include peace. We each have a free will to determine how we will live out our days. When we choose to follow after God, our hearts seek to know Him and His will for us. The more we invest our time in knowing Him, the more clearly we understand how to live out His love through all that we say and do. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His peace, and guide us with love, compassion and humility for each other like family.

Together in peace,

is how we should live;

choose humble and kind,

as love’s what we give.

Lord, lead us to learn,

how community;

can live together,

in love, peacefully.

May our hearts choose seek,

to understand well;

for Your love and grace,

through our choices tell.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

for Your way is best;

goodness and kindness,

show Your love expressed.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to show us what it is to walk in love, compassion and humility. Thank You for Your forgiveness and grace that give us the capacity to do the same. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to do what You are calling us to do. Teach us to trust You more so that we might live peacefully within each community to which we have been called. Show us how to love like You in all situations and circumstances. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they experience Your love made tangible through those around them. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to love like You and to live peacefully like a loving family. Amen.

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

The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11

The Calm That Comes

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. – (James 3:18, NIV)

People who work for peace in a peaceful way get the blessings that come from right living. – (James 3:18, ERV)

The seed that flowers into righteousness will always be planted in peace by those who embrace peace. – (James 3:18, VOICE)

Peace is not necessarily the absence of chaos, but it is a calm that comes, despite what is going on, through the loving kindness of Christ. To be a peacemaker, we must choose to communicate calmly, and exercise self-control in all that we say and do. One of the definitions of peace found in dictionary.com, defines peace as: freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquility; serenity. We are all a work in progress, and our freedom of the mind from these things seems to be proportional to our dependence on God. When we are actively and routinely seeking Him, His calm comes and peace prevails, regardless of our circumstances. As a middle school teacher, I am well aware of what peace feels like, despite the chaos. It is not the absence of annoyances or distractions, but it is the freedom to not be worn down, overwhelmed or controlled by them. There are times that they need be corrected or redirected, but when done in a calm and peaceful manner, it is better received and more quickly made right than if I allow frustration to get the better of me and give anger a foothold. May we ever seek the Lord to be our peace in every circumstance, and rely on Him to hold us in His hands, for it is in our awareness of His presence that we know and experience true peace, as relying on Him is right living.

The Lord is true peace,

in Him, we’re set free;

calm in the chaos,

our Help in our need.

Anxiety goes,

and peace finds a way;

to settle our hearts,

and make new, each day.

O Lord, please lead us,

to ever trust You;

for You are the way,

that peace is made new.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our perfect peace, not matter what surrounds us. Thank You that as we trust and rely on You, You show us the calm that comes in knowing and following You. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed our circumstances to get the better of us, or have ignored the direction You have shown us to experience Your peace. Teach us to trust You more, for You show us what is good and right, and You provide peace that surpasses our understanding. Lead us to love as You love so that many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to live right and rely on You to be our perfect peace in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. – Isaiah 26:3

God is… (Day 1 – My Author)

Yesterday morning at church, my pastor began a series called, “God is ________.” The premise behind the title is that we each have our own story of who God is to us, and how we know He is who He says He is. Toward the close of his sermon, Pastor Omar was listing some of the names of God. As he unpacked a few of them, the bridge of the song, “Worthy of Your Name” came to mind. In this bridge, the song states fourteen different things that God is. Personally, I can relate to and think of examples of times where I have known God as each of these. My thought for the next two weeks is to share one each day with scripture that aligns with my own experiences. The following are the portion of the lyrics that I will be focusing on:

You’re my Author, my Maker, my Ransom

My Savior, my Refuge, my Hiding Place

You’re my Helper, my Healer, my Blessed Redeemer

My Answer, my Saving Grace

You’re my Hope in the shadows

My Strength in the battle

My Anchor for all my days

You stand by my side

And You stood in my place

Jesus no other name

Jesus no other name

Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. – (Hebrews 12:2, KJV)

God as our Author is not only the One who created and has written what our story could be, but He penned out the way to eternal life through His Son, Jesus. He has hand crafted and specifically designed each of us with a plan and a purpose. This is a huge title to unpack, as the Author already knows how the story will unfold and ultimately, end, and as I look back on the chapter thus far, I can clearly see His hand and His handiwork in and through all things. His love, kindness, care, hope and strength have been abundantly supplied throughout all of my days. From the most difficult days to the most glorious, He has been present in all. It is because of His great love, that Jesus made the way for us to know life through Him. His sacrifice made way for our ultimate victory. May we ever seek the Lord, who is the Author of our life, faith, and story, for He is the One to whom we can always turn, and our hope forevermore.

God is the Author,

of everything;

the story writer,

as all hope He brings.

With purpose He planned,

for each one of us;

our life, our journey,

our hope in Jesus.

Despite our purpose,

He’s given free will;

for we have a choice,

accept or rebel.

Each day that we live,

we choose yet again;

honor our Maker,

our Savior and Friend.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the Author of all that exists. You created each of us with a plan and a purpose and You made a way for us to be in relationship with You. Forgive us for the times that we have rejected Your plans and purposes. Teach us to trust You and to always give You our best “yes”. Lead us in Your love to love those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for being the Author of our lives, for Your story is perfectly planned. Amen.

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

It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him. – Deuteronomy 13:4

Heaven’s Poetry

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)

God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the good things He had already planned for us to do. – (Ephesians 2:10, ERV)

For we are the product of His hand, heaven’s poetry etched on lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus, to accomplish the good works God arranged long ago. – (Ephesians 2:10, VOICE)

People are the product of God’s handiwork. Each of us carries heaven’s poetry through the way that He has made us – individually, purposefully, and specifically to do good things. However, God did not make us puppets. He gave us each a free will to choose for ourselves to accept or reject our Maker. When we accept Him, He makes us new; He drives out the darkness and floods us with His love and light so that we may become the people He intended for us to be. God’s plans are good, and His way is filled with love. May we ever seek the Lord to transform us, so that heaven’s poetry He has etched on our lives may be evident to all.

The Lord is faithful,

abundant in love;

He helps and holds us,

for we’re His beloved.

Created by Him,

with purpose and plan;

as we pursue Him,

throughout our life span.

Each day is a gift,

given by His grace;

to love and be loved,

’til we see His face.

May we keep growing,

as we are made new;

help us to love well,

as we’re made to do.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we have each been created with a purpose and plan. Thank You that Your love is etched in our DNA. Thank You that as we follow after You, heaven’s poetry is made evident in our lives. Forgive us for the times that we have hidden the work of art that You intended us to become. Show us how to trust You more and to give You access to all so that we may be transformed by Your love. Lead us to love those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we follow after You and seek to live and love as we have been created to do. Amen.

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

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope – never forget that.” – Jeremiah 29:11