Love Made Perfect

This is how much God loved us, dear friends! So we also must love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us. If we love each other, God’s love has reached its goal – it is made perfect in us. – (1 John 4:11-12, ERV)

So, my loved ones, if God loved us so sacrificially, surely we should love one another. No one has ever seen God with human eyes; but if we love one another, God truly lives in us. Consequently God’s love has accomplished its mission among us. – (1 John 4:11-12, VOICE)

My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and His love becomes complete in us – perfect love! – (1 John 4:11-12, MSG)

The more we love one another, the better those around us come to understand the love of God. Perfect love is God’s love being made visible through our decision to love. Love is a choice, and each time we choose to love, we are choosing to show the world what God intended all along. However, if we talk about God or His love but do not show it through our interactions, then we are just making noise and are keeping the love of God hidden. If fact, it does more damage if we do not choose to show love, for to some, we might be the only example of who God is in their lives. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love so that those around us may come to understand God’s goodness and grace as His love is demonstrated through all that we say and do.

The love of the Lord,

Is beyond compare;

It is by His grace,

That we all can share.

Share of His goodness,

And love others well;

Ever choose to love,

As in Him we dwell.

For when we know love,

We give it away;

It never runs out,

It’s made new each day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that because You first loved us, we too, are called to love one another. Thank You that this is not something we have to do on our own, but rather You equip and empower us to love as You love. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to love as You call us to love. Teach us to trust You to lead us and fill us, so that we may ever be Your hands, heart and voice to those around us. Show us how to love each person we encounter as You would. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in love. 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

Telling Our Testimony

After reading through Acts 24-26, I find it difficult to set my mind to but one verse on which to meditate and reflect upon.  Rather, what I see repeated again in Acts 26, is that Paul, in the face of adversity, shares his story as he is granted an audience before yet another person of powerful position.  He tells the king his testimony – speaking truth about Jesus and faith that leads to sanctification from sin.  No matter the accusations nor charges, Paul sticks to sharing his story, free from fear, as he is powerfully equipped each time.

Though King Agrippa claimed to have no interest in converting, he recognized the ridiculousness of the request to kill or imprison Paul for simply sharing his story.  The king even went so far as to tell the governor, Festus, that Paul should have been set free.

Power is presented when we share our story, even with those who have yet to believe.  Our story is just that – it is ours.  It is impossible to refute an individual’s own experiences, regardless of one’s personal convictions.

Though we do not all have such an extreme encounter with the Eternal to tell, we each have a story to share of our Savior’s amazing grace, provision, and goodness.  He has given us glorious gifts, and we are created to be in community with Him and all of creation.

What is your story?  How has He touched your heart with His hand, and brought light to former darkness?

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that there is power wherever truth is presented.  Thank You for great examples set by those who have gone before us, as to how we can share the story of our salvation that You have lovingly scribed on our hearts.  Forgive us for our fear, and empower us with Your strength so that we may boldly share our stories that speak of Your unending love that leads the lost to the safe space of salvation.  Teach us how to tell that which You have placed in our heart.  May our story be spoken in strength, so that You may most clearly be conveyed.  Amen.

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