Let Love Lead the Way

This is my command: Love each other. – (John 15:17, NIV)

But remember the root command: Love one another. – (John 15:17, MSG)

So this is My parting command: Love one another deeply! – (John 15:17, TPT)

 

These were the words of Jesus to all who chose to follow Him. Christ’s command for us has remained the same throughout the ages. Most of the time, this is a reasonable rule to follow. However, what I am discovering in my current existence, is that I am far more sensitive to “waves”, and have little tolerance for that “one more thing”. My fuse is short, and I go from “fine” to wanting to throat punch people in a matter of mere moments. No, I would not actually follow through, but my frustration level ignites far too quickly, and anger seems to rise, where normally patience and problem-solving reside. I imagine much of it is this space of feeling so unsettled, as I am being pulled back and forth between mom in Wenatchee, and home with my husband and children. (Even more so, as my husband is away this week while I am home.) Yesterday, I had two separate incidents that ignited the fire within, that really should not have ruffled my feathers as much as they did. Thankfully, those around me were gracious, and my recovery was quick, yet it is unnerving to find myself so easily frustrated by things that normally would be easily navigated.

Mom continues to persevere and put in the work to pursue a full recovery. Yesterday she had occupational therapy and a visit from the nurse, as well as a wonderful visit from one of her dearest friends and her husband. Much laughter is shared between Meg and mom, and it is a joy to hear them giggle as we check in with one another on the phone. We are blessed that mom has always modeled how to love one another deeply, and it has been taken to heart. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength and peace, so that we may go forth in love, no matter what comes our way.

 

Called and commanded,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

To go forth in love;

To love each other,

Like the Lord above.

Do so with a grace,

That wants nothing back;

Seeking to fill up,

Where there is a lack.

Love with a patience,

That passes on peace;

Fill one another,

Let kindness increase.

In all that we do,

And all that we say;

Fill our hearts O God,

So love leads the way.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You not only call us, but You command us to love. Thank You that You equip us for everything that You ask us to do. Thank You that You empower us to love, because You first loved us. Forgive us for our lack of love when things don’t go our way, or when our circumstances close in on us and begin to overwhelm us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would continuously place all things in Your loving and capable hands. Show us how to love those around us in a way that best communicates to their hearts, the depth and breadth of Your love for each of them. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive Your love so that we may generously and abundantly give Your love away. Amen.

 

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

 

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13

Take Hold of Instruction

Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life. – (Proverbs 4:13, NLT)

Take hold of instruction; [actively seek it, grip it firmly and] do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life. – (Proverbs 4:13, AMP)

 

When God instructs us in the ways we are meant to go, we ought to cling tightly to what we have been told, and do our best to obey. His plans and ways lead to light and life, whereas on our own, we tend to run amuck. This can become a grey area for people, as there are the basics that we shall and shall not do as followers of Christ, yet there are other things that are fine for some, yet not a good idea for others. It is in these spaces that it is essential for us to seek the Lord and ask His will for us, individually. Whatever He tells us personally, is what we are meant to do. He does not always ask the same things of us as that of our friends and neighbors. We all have different strengths and challenges, and He knows our need far better than we do. This is the very reason we are meant to seek the Lord and His instruction. His way is best and when we take hold of it and walk it out, His will unfolds before us. May we each seek the Lord and His instruction, and take hold of whatever He asks and guard it for all of our days.

 

Go forth unto God,

And seek all His ways;

Hold His instruction,

For all of our days.

As we choose to seek,

He gladly will show;

What we’re meant to do,

And where we should go.

Guard well the Lord’s words,

For in them is light;

They show us the way,

To do what is right.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You, You instruct us in the ways in which we are meant to go. Thank You that You remind us to guard well the words that You speak to us, as they are the key to life. Forgive us for neglecting to obey the things that You say, or for not asking when we are uncertain about what we ought to do. Teach us to trust You and Your direction in all things and at all times, as Your way is always the way that is right. Show us how to love well all those whom we encounter, so that they might turn to seek Your instruction as well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we actively seek and take hold of Your instruction, and guard it with all that we are as we forge forward to faithfully follow all that You ask of us. Amen.

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

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us. – Psalm 67:1