Love Completely

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, NIV)

You are God’s dear children, so try to be like Him. Live a life of love. Love others just as Christ loved us. He gave Himself for us – a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, ERV)

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with Him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He did not love in order to get something from us but to give everything of Himself to us. Love like that. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, MSG)

Yesterday’s message at church was grounded in the story of Jesus’ first miracle, when He turned water into wine at a wedding. There were many outstanding points, but what continues to resonate with me is how the servants did what Jesus asked and filled the water jars. Not only did they fill them, but they filled them to the brim (which was no easy task back then). That act of trust turned into the first miracle of Jesus’ ministry and reminds us of how completely we ought to follow what He asks of us. His greatest command is to love God and love people. If we chose to do so “to the brim”, we will be walking in the way of love, just a Christ did for us. Love sees, love sacrifices, and love gives completely with no expectation in return. This is an ongoing, lifelong process, to live and learn how to love like Christ. Every day is new, and we have a new opportunity to live the life of love that God intended. May we ever seek the Lord, study His word, and spend time with Him, so that we may learn and grow to reflect His love and light more clearly to the world.

Lord help us to love,

As Christ has loved us;

Sacrificially,

The way of Jesus.

Teach us to trust You,

To walk in Your ways;

Love without limits,

Throughout all our days.

Each blessing given,

Show us how to share;

Generously give,

Love and truly care.

Lead us each day, Lord,

To love as You do;

Fill us each morning,

So that we love true.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to show us what real, complete, and sacrificial love really is. Thank You for the beauty and blessing we receive as You claim us as Your own. Forgive us for the times that we have not loved like You. Teach us to trust Your more so that our every word and action would be a reflection of Your goodness, grace, and overwhelming love. Show us how to love each person we encounter so that Your heart is made tangible through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and trust You to lead us to love as You intended. Amen.

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

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. – John 13:34

Walking the Way of Love

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, NIV)

You are God’s dear children, so try to be like Him. Live a life of love. Love others just as Christ loved us. He gave Himself for us – a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, ERV)

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with Him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of Himself to us. Love like that. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, MSG)

Some days, walking the way of love is far more difficult than others. There are moments in the craziness of my days that I am unsure of what love ought to look like. This is where we need Jesus more than ever. We need His eyes to see and His heart to love when we cannot even process the things unfolding before us. Yesterday, an insane incident in one of my classes left me so stunned that all I could do was ask if kids were okay after I had the disrupter step outside. I am very aware of my need for God to lead me in His love in everything I say and do, for I am not equipped on my own to navigate all that comes my way. May we ever seek the Lord and His lavish love, so that we may navigate our days in the light of His love.

Lord, teach us to love,

In all things like You;

Extravagantly,

So Your heart shines through.

For love is given,

Not so that we get;

But rather to show,

All that’s to come yet.

As we choose draw near,

Train us in Your ways;

Make Your love made known,

Throughout each new day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are an ongoing work in progress. Thank You that You continue to grow us and transform us to better reflect Your love to those around us. Forgive us for our frustrations and expectations of others. Teach us to see others through Your lens, as we recognize the need for love all around us. Show us how to love those whom You place on our path as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ever seek You to continue to teach us to love like You. Amen.

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

And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love. – 2 John 1:6

Live a Life of Love

Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, HCSB)

You are God’s dear children, so try to be like Him. Live a life of love. Love others just as Christ loved us. He gave Himself up for us – a sweet smelling offering and sacrifice to God. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, ERV)

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with Him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of Himself to us. Love like that.- (Ephesians 5:1-2, MSG)

We are not merely called and commanded to love; we are given the ultimate example and are equipped to love like Christ. Just like a good parent, God shows us over and over again what it is to love. His love is not self-seeking, but rather, it is sacrificial, expecting nothing in return. Incredibly, when we choose to love God and people as we are created to love, we discover the depth and goodness of His love for us. He fills us so that we can live a life of love. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to love as He loves, and freely extend the same to those around us.

Because we’re God kids,

We’re called to choose love;

Extravagantly,

Like the Lord above.

He shows us the way,

To love as He does;

Sacrificially,

He selflessly loves.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

To love as You do;

To give love away,

And choose to love true.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You show and equip us to love as You love. Thank You that You call us to make Your love evident to everyone around us. Forgive us for the times that we have either not chosen love, or have loved with the intent of getting something in return. Teach us to love as You do, trusting that You will be our portion and place of peace. Show us how to love those around us as You do, in tangible and practical ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love You and love people as You call us to do. Amen.

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

And this is love: that we walk according to His commands. This is the command as you have heard it from the beginning: you must walk in love. – 2 John 1:6

The Example of Love

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love… – (Ephesians 5:1-2a, NIV)

You are God’s dear children, so try to be like Him. Live a life of love. – (Ephesians 5:1-2a, ERV)

So imitate God. Follow Him like adored children, and live in love as the Anointed One has loved you. – (Ephesians 5:1-2a, VOICE)

Because God is love, we have been created to love. As His children, He leads and guides us in His ways, if only we choose to seek Him and follow the example set before us. Though walking in the way of love is not the easiest route, it is the way that is best. At the end of the day, when I know that I have sought to love, I am at peace, knowing that I have pursued the path that God intended. May we ever seek the heart of God to show us His love, so that we may love one another well.

The Lord has shown us,

How we’re meant to love;

Reckless abandon,

Like the Lord above.

Though undeserving,

He loves anyway;

Compelling our hearts,

To walk in His way.

Teach us to love well,

So throughout each day;

Your heart is made known,

Through kindness and grace.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You loved us first and made a way for us to love like You. Thank You that You have shown and continue to show us how to love like You. Forgive us for each time that we have neglected to love as we should. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would choose to love like You, no matter what we see. Show us how to love those around us like You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to follow the example that You have set before us. Amen.

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

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34

Follow the Example of Love

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, NIV)

You are God’s dear children, so try to be like Him. Live a life of love. Love others just as Christ loved us. He gave Himself for us – a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, ERV)

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with Him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of Himself to us. Love like that. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, MSG)

I so appreciate the Message translation of this passage. The reality that what God mostly does is love us, is incredible and undeserved. If we spend time with Him, He teaches and shows us what it is to live a life of love. Christ’s love is selfless, not selfish. He loved without expecting anything in return. We are called to do likewise. This kind of love is not natural for the human heart, however, the more we seek and spend time with the Lord, the more we learn to love like Him. In a world where so much adversity and animosity exist, we need to love all the more. Love is a decision, not a feeling. We must choose to love one another as we are loved by God. In order to do so, we must seek the Lord, know Him, and depend on Him to equip us to do exactly what we were created to do. May we ever lean into the Lord to show us what it is to love in every situation and circumstance.

As children of God,

May we seek to love;

All people, always,

Like the Lord above.

It is a free gift,

With no strings attached;

Yet it draws us in,

In thanks, we react.

Respond with kindness,

God’s grace, love and peace;

The more we choose love,

Enmity released.

The Lord’s love gave all,

We’re called to the same;

To extend His grace,

Instead of placed blame.

Lead us in love, Lord,

Show us love Your way;

Help us be better,

Each waking new day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You first loved us – completely and extravagantly, despite what we deserved. Thank You that You call us to love in the same way. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to choose love. Show us how to love like You in all things and at all times. Instruct us as You grow our hearts to more closely reflect Your own. Use us as Your ambassadors of peace as we seek to love You and people well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ever pursue You and seek to be a reflection of Your radiant love. Amen.

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

You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to You. – Psalm 86:5

Live a Life of Love

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love… – (Ephesians 5:1-2a, NIV) 

You are God’s dear children, so try to be like Him. Live a life of love. – (Ephesians 5:1-2a, ERV) 

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. – (Ephesians 5:1-2a, MSG) 

Everything we do must be guided by love. We are dearly loved by God, therefore, we must follow His example and love others well. This is not a simple a pick and choose who to love, or when to love, but rather it is meant to be a life of love. All that we think, say and do must be steeped in love. What does that look like? Thankfully, He tells us exactly what it means to love.  

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” -(1 Corinthians 13:4-7) 

May we seek the Lord to lead us and equip us so that we may be patient, kind, rejoicing in the truth, protective, trusting, hopeful, and always persevere. 

Because God is love, 

And we’re loved by Him; 

We likewise should love, 

Welcome people in. 

Into our circles, 

Where love’s always found; 

Grace freely offered, 

And goodness abounds. 

Treat one another, 

With value and grace; 

Choose love each other, 

And follow God’s ways. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You loved us first, and continue to show us again and again, what it is to love. Forgive us for every word, thought, and deed that does not clearly reflect Your love. Teach us to lean into You so that we may reflect Your love to all those whom we encounter. Show us how to love each individual as You do, in practical and tangible ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to follow Your example and live a life of love. Amen. 

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

Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life. – Psalm 143:8

Patterns of Love

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, NIV)

You are God’s dear children, so try to be like Him. Live a life of love. Love others just as Christ loved us. He gave Himself for us – a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, ERV)

Be imitators of God in everything you do, for then you will represent your Father as His beloved sons and daughters. And continue to walk surrendered to the extravagant love of Christ, for He surrendered His life as a sacrifice for us. His great love for us was pleasing to God, like an aroma of adoration – a sweet healing fragrance. – (Ephesians 5:1-2, TPT)

 

When we choose to follow Christ, it is our charge to live out a life of love as His dearly loved children. Because we are loved by Him, we too, have the capacity to love others in the same way. Christ’s love is sacrificial and not self-seeking; in every way, His love is pleasing to God. On our own, such love is an impossible order. However, when we seek the Lord and spend time with Him and in His word, we learn to pattern our lives after His. This does not mean that we somehow “arrive” and suddenly love perfectly, yet the longer we pursue His path, the more clearly we are able to reflect His love. May we ever seek to follow God’s example as His dearly loved children, and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved each of us.

 

In all that we do,

May we look to God;

And pattern our lives,

Make love our response.

God’s love is immense,

Sacrificial, kind;

Never self-seeking,

With our best in mind.

May we love the same,

Throughout all our days;

So God’s love is known,

As we give Him praise.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You first loved us. Thank You that You gave all so that we could have life and light and love. Thank You that Your love is not self-seeking, but rather You always have our very best in mind. Forgive us for the times that we have not loved in the same way, or have attempted to navigate on our own. Teach us how to pattern our lives after You, so that we may love in the same way that You love each of us. Show us how to love those around us selflessly and lavishly, so that they may experience and know the depth and breadth of Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to pattern our lives after You, so that we may love completely. Amen.

 

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

 

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. – Romans 12:10

Walk in the Way of Love

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love. – (Ephesians 5:1-2a, NIV)

You are God’s dear children, so try to be like Him. Live a life of love. – (Ephesians 5:1-2a, ERV)

Be imitators of God in everything you do, for then you will represent your Father as His beloved sons and daughters. And continue to walk surrendered to the extravagant love of Christ. – (Ephesians 5:1-2a, TPT)

 

Anyone who is in Christ, is called and commanded to love. When we make the decision to follow God, we likewise are choosing to represent His likeness in our words and deeds. Just as a small child learns how to navigate the world by imitating his or her parent(s), so too, do we learn how to represent our Father in heaven, by imitating Christ in His love for the world. His love is patient and kind, it does not envy or boast, it isn’t proud, rude, selfish nor easily angered, and it does not keep record of wrongs. His love delights in the truth, always protects, trusts, hopes and always perseveres. (1 Cor. 13:4-7) Not only is Christ our example, but He is also our strength and grace in the moments that loving seems too difficult to do on our own. When we seek Him, He is present to help. May we ever pursue the path of love, for we are our best versions of ourselves when it is evident that we are the beloved sons and daughters of the Lord.

Yesterday, mom spent an hour and a half with the in-home physical therapist, as the initial assessment was done. She was encouraged to get back to it, and is eager to meet the speech therapist on Wednesday as well. So far, it has been determined that mom will have in-home physical therapy twice per week, and we will know more about speech therapy after Wednesday. Occupational therapy is still in the works to be scheduled, so we are hopeful that the assessment for that will take place prior to the week’s end. All is forward momentum, so mom was upbeat and feeling good about all that lies ahead. She and Megan were on their way out the door to run an errand, so I know my sister is continuing to keep a crazy busy schedule, as she balances work, family, sports schedules, appointments, and the running around that takes place with a household of five. Please continue to pray for strength and peace, as her work schedule alone is insane.

 

Help us each to choose,

To imitate Christ;

In word and in deed,

Most worthwhile, a price.

For love is the way,

To show the Lord’s heart;

A choice to give grace,

And peace to impart.

Just as the Lord gives,

So we should give too;

For love conquers all,

Allows His light through.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have given us all that we need to follow Your example of love through Your Son. Thank You that You not only call us, but You equip and empower us to love. Forgive us for the times that we have not chosen to love. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would choose the most excellent way in You. Show us how to love, even those who are being unkind or are difficult to love, as so often, they are the ones who need love the most. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to fill us so that we may love others in the same way that we are loved by You. Amen.

 

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

 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Clothed in His Character

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. – (Colossians 3:12, NLT)

God has chosen you and made you His holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle and patient. – (Colossians 3:12, ERV)

You are always and dearly loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others. – (Colossians 3:12, TPT)

 

As God’s dearly loved children, we are called to clothe ourselves with His character. Thankfully, we are given specific attributes to lead us and guide us to represent our Father well. Just as we have been shown mercy, we too must be merciful to others. Kindness, humility, gentleness and patience ought to be the guiding principles that lead us in a life lived out in love. The more we know and understand what it is to be loved, the greater our capacity becomes to love in the same way. May we depend on the Lord to fill us with His love as we endeavor to understand and extend His kindness and compassion to others.

 

As we show mercy,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

God’s heart is made plain;

A love lived out loud,

Points hearts to His reign.

Kindness extended,

In humility;

Mends what is broken,

And sets captives free.

Patience has power,

As does gentleness;

Quietly they wait,

In love to express.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not call us to judge or create barriers between us and those who do things that do not align perfectly with the way we see the world. Thank You that You call us to love with mercy, kindness, patience and gentleness, just as You love each of us. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked Your love for others in our responses. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would respond from a space of love that follows after Your heart. Show us how to extend mercy, be kind, have patience and extend gentleness to those around us in Your love. May many come to know You as Lord. Be glorified O God, as we live a life of love through our mercy, kindness, patience and gentleness. Amen.

 

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

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. – Proverbs 31:25

Children By Faith

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. – (Galatians 3:26, NLT)

For now we are all children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. – (Galatians 3:26, TLB)

It is your faith in the Anointed Jesus that makes all of you children of God. – (Galatians 3:26, VOICE)

 

Our status as children of God does not come through us somehow earning our way, but rather by a choice to trust our hearts to Him and believe that He is who He says. There is an interesting balance between an awareness of our need for His grace and our desire to respond accordingly. We cannot do or be anything to cause God to love us more or less, for He loves His children unconditionally. However, we must trust in His love and faithfulness as our Heavenly Father, for that is the very nature of faith. May we ever hold fast by faith to who we are in Christ, trusting by faith that He is good and faithful to all of His beloved children.

 

The Lord God on high, 

Is Father to all;

Who trust in His Name,

And to Him choose call.

It’s not dependent,

On things that we do;

But rather on grace,

As His love breaks through.

So, trust in the good,

Of our loving Lord;

And live in His grace,

And love it affords.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace. Thank You that You are faithful as our loving Father to all who choose trust in You. Thank You that we are considered Your dearly loved children. Forgive us for attempting to do or be enough to somehow earn Your favor. Teach us to trust in Your grace that loves us always. Help us to love those around us in response to Your incredible love and faithful grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we walk out our days in Your faithful grace that compels us to love like You. Amen.

 

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

 

Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God. – John 1:12