Because Love…

Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. – (1 John 4:7, HCSB)

Those who are loved by God, let His love continually pour from you to one another, because God is love. Everyone who loves is fathered by God and experiences an intimate knowledge of Him. – (1 John 4:7, TPT)

My loved ones, let us devote ourselves to loving one another. Love comes straight from God, and everyone who loves is born of God and truly knows God. – (1 John 4:7, VOICE)

We are called and created to love one another. Because God first loved us, when we seek Him and invite Him to rule and reign in our lives, we are equipped and empowered to love those around us. It is up to us to choose to seek Him and allow God to work in and through us so that we may love those around us well. As we grow in our knowledge of God and His perfect love, our desire to love as He does increases. May we ever seek the Lord to grow us and lead us in love, so that we may love one another as God intended.

When God’s our Father,

We learn to love well;

The best example,

Equips us to tell.

Tell of His goodness,

Give lavishly, grace;

Love one another,

The whole human race.

As we seek the Lord,

He transforms our hearts;

Leads us to love well,

Shows us where to start.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You not only call us to love, but You grow us and equip us to love like You as we earnestly seek You. Forgive us for our lack of seeking, or for neglecting to allow You to lead us in love. Teach us to embrace Your goodness and grace so that we may share it with all those around us. Show us how to love each person we encounter as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we continually pour out to others from the abundance that You have poured into us. 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

Love Deeply

Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins. – (1 Peter 4:8, HCSB)

Most important of all, love each other deeply, because love makes you willing to forgive many sins. – (1 Peter 4:8, ERV)

Most of all, love each other steadily and unselfishly, because love makes up for many faults. – (1 Peter 4:8, VOICE)

This is critically important in culture today. Currently, it is the seeming norm for people to blast those who do not share the same opinion as themselves rather than choosing to love and simply scroll past. Humans are allowed to have their own opinions. No one truly knows what has led a person to view the world through their lens, so name-calling or worse on social media is not going to change their view. Rather, if we love intensely and deeply, we can accept our differences and forgive or look past perceived faults. The more we love, the more willing we become to forgive, and consequently, we begin to value differing opinions and perspectives. Every day is new, and we are meant to treat it accordingly. If we hold onto hurts and disdain for another person, we are only poisoning ourselves. May we ever look to the Lord to lead us to love one another deeply and allow His love to cover us and teach us to forgive.

Choose to love deeply,

Forgive and give grace;

Love one another,

The whole human race.

We are created,

To love as God loves;

Forgive each other,

Like the Lord above.

God, give us Your eyes,

So we truly see;

The power love gives,

To set our hearts free.

Help us to choose love,

Despite what is done;

Grant us Your wisdom,

God, most Holy One.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love one another. Thank You that love like Yours forgives and covers sin. Thank You that You first loved us in this way, as You forgive us each time we ask, and love us no matter what. Forgive us for our lack of love when people cross us or have different values than our own. Show us how to love well, no matter how others view the world. Lead us to bless and encourage and begin everyday with a clean slate. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to love deeply and forgive as we have been forgiven. Amen.

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

The Lord of Hosts says this: Make fair decisions. Show faithful love and compassion to one another. – Zechariah 7:9

May Love Grow

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. – (1 Thessalonians 3:12, NIV) 

We pray that the Lord will make your love grow. We pray that He will give you more and more love for each other and all people. We pray that you will love everyone in the same way we love you. – (1 Thessalonians 3:12, ERV) 

And may the Lord increase your love until it overflows toward one another for all people, just as our love overflows toward you. – (1 Thessalonians 3:12, TPT) 

Paul wrote to the church of Thessalonica to encourage them in their faith and love in the face of persecution. Though we are not facing the same scenario that early church endured, we do have much need in our society for faith and love. Civil unrest and people easily angered, do not make for a loving environment. It is our charge to love one another, in the same way that God loves each of us. His love is relentless, unconditional, and unchanging; ours ought to be as well. Too often, we have conditions or requirements that deem others must somehow be worthy of our love, rather than simply loving because they are His created. We must do and be better, and it begins with those who know and understand the power of God’s love for us. May we ever seek the Lord to make our love increase and overflow for those directly around us, and for all people everywhere. 

We are called to love, 

Care for each other; 

Mothers and fathers, 

Sisters and brothers. 

The whole human race, 

Is our family; 

Whom we’re meant to love, 

Ever faithfully. 

We need the Lord’s love, 

To flood heart and mind; 

So we may learn well, 

To love and be kind. 

Show us Lord Jesus, 

What we need to know; 

To love as You love, 

So Your goodness shows. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You loved us first. Thank You that You call us to love not only those directly around us, but all people, everywhere. Forgive us for the times that we have not been loving, or have somehow withheld the good that was meant to be given. Teach us to turn to You to lead us in our every interaction. Show us how to love like You at all times, with all people. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to love more deeply and completely, all people. Amen. 

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

May Your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You. – Psalm 33:22

Consider Greater Love

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)

 

Yesterday was an “off” day at school. A few of my students who have the propensity to struggle with everyday expectations, each had a difficult day. I am not sure whether it can be attributed to the full moon, the numerous guest teachers on campus, the changing seasons, or perhaps an off day due to a wrench in their normal routine, but whatever the cause, the challenge remained and I was extraordinarily grateful for colleagues who are kind and encouraging. Thankfully, I learned long ago to not take a student’s display of distress, personally. Rather, it sets me on a path of seeking to discover more of what motivates and helps calm the child best, so that I might better anticipate and diffuse potential outbursts on a day that they are struggling. Both the presence of para-educators and an interpreter, and later that of administrators who were looking for students, became a source of help that inspired me to greater love, despite my temporary frustration. Sometimes, just knowing that someone else sees the reality of what has taken place, is enough to feel validated in the moment and motivation to let go and move on. There is no “perfect” in humanity. We will always irritate and frustrate, as we as become irritated and frustrated by others. What we do with it matters most. When we choose to love and extend grace, even when it is seemingly undeserved, we are offering the very thing that we have been given through life in Christ. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength, so that we may choose to love and do good works, always.

 

Help us consider, 

How to choose to love;

To do the good works,

We’re called to get done.

Love is not about,

How much it’s deserved;

But rather a choice,

We choose as we serve.

At our very worst,

God still loves with grace;

So too, we should love,

The whole human race.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us no matter how we come or what we have done. Thank You that Your grace covers our shortcomings. Forgive us for the times that we do not choose love or good works, despite the clear call that You have given. Teach us to trust and rely on You for the strength and endurance to love even when it is challenging. Show us how to love those who are struggling in practical ways that help them understand goodness and grace, and to encourage others to do the same. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to love and do good, encouraging one another as we are encouraged by You, according to Your perfect plan to which we are called. Amen.

 

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

The second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” No other commandment is greater than these. – Mark 12:31

Seek to Know

God looks down from heaven on the entire human race; He looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. – (Psalm 53:2, NLT)

From heaven the one True God examines the earth to see if any understand the big picture, if any seek to know the true God. – (Psalm 53:2, VOICE)

God looks down from heaven to see if there is anyone who is wise, anyone who looks to Him for help. – (Psalm 53:2, ERV)

 

The Lord is not looking for those who “have it all together” and think that they know all the answers that they need to navigate life well, but rather He desires the hearts of those who earnestly seek Him. As we come to recognize our own need for the Lord and His help, wisdom comes our way. It is only in knowing our need for God that we desperately desire more and more of Him. Incredibly, as we seek Him, we find Him, and He is faithful to answer all that we ask. Answers may not appear the way we would anticipate, but His ways are higher than our ways, and His plans are always best. May we ever seek the Lord and His help, as we come to know our own need for His hand in our lives.

 

God’s ever seeking,

Those who seek Him too;

Hearts longing for help,

To know what is true.

As we choose to search,

We always shall find;

The Lord’s path made plain,

It is His design.

Wisdom is granted,

To all those who seek;

God shows us the way,

He’s faithful to speak.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You, You are already available and waiting for us. Thank You that wisdom is found by those who seek Your will and Your way. Forgive us for not always seeking You. Teach us to trust You more, as You alone hold the answers to all of our questions. Show us how to walk out our faith in love, so that we love those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to know You well, as all wisdom and understanding come from You. Amen.

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

God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me. – Genesis 21:6

Clothing the Corners of Our Heart

With the ever growing unrest and tensions in the world around us, it is all the more imperative that we go out prepared, according to God’s standards. It is not about how we appear on the outside, but rather how we clothe the corners of our heart.

 

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. – (Colossians 3:12, NIV)

 

Can you imagine what the world would look like if everyone approached one another with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience? Though we cannot expect others to conform to the “clothing of Christ“, we can extend these things to all whom we encounter, modeling the very things that we hope to see in return. Change does not happen with giant waves of conformity, rather it begins with one, or perhaps a few, who choose to be kind or compassionate. Those who opt to walk in humility and gentleness, despite that which surrounds them – these are the agents of change in the world. May we have the patience to press in and seek the Lord, allowing Him to be our Source and our strength to clothe our hearts with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, so that we may go forth and give to others as the Lord intended.

 

As the believers,

Let us rise and choose;

To be clothed in Christ,

All unkindness lose.

Be clothed with kindness,

Compassion and grace;

Gentle and humble,

To the human race.

Always be patient,

For God’s been with us;

He loved us to life,

And gave us Jesus.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You sent Your Son to save us from ourselves. Thank You that when we seek You, You meet us where we are. Thank You that in Your strength, we can be clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, so that we may extend the same to others. Forgive us for not seeking You or for not clothing our hearts with Your character. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would more accurately reflect who You are to a world so desperately in need of Your goodness and grace. Show us how to love with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to honor You by clothing ourselves in the character traits of Christ. 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

Because He Loved

Valentine’s Day is an interesting holiday, especially among middle schoolers the day prior. While some students were over-the-moon with excitement, others were nearly manic, as they mourned their mate-less state. Most, however, took it upon themselves as an opportunity to binge on copious quantities of confections, and were bouncing off the walls. The pivotal point that so many get hung up on, is what exactly is love, and how do we celebrate it?

 

If our priorities are kept in place, and we opt to spend the day focusing on loving God and loving people well, then it can be a day worth celebrating, rather than one to view with disdain. One of the most powerful examples of Jesus’ love for us is how He endured all things for our sake, so that we could come to know Him.

 

In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked Him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but He can’t save Himself!” – (Mark 15:31)

 

Though Jesus could have saved himself, He endured this suffering because of His love for us. He could have chosen not to take the pain and humiliation; He could have killed those who mocked Him – but He suffered through it all because He loved even His enemies… Jesus died on that cross for us, and the penalty for our sins was paid by His death. – (NIV footnotes for Mark 15:31)

 

Because He loved, we too may love.

 

What beautiful love,

would lay down His life;

choose to sacrifice,

despite all our strife?

He came not because,

we deserved His grace;

but because He loves,

the whole human race.

The sinners and saints,

man, woman and child;

He came for us all,

to be reconciled.

Let us each embrace,

this glorious gift;

go forth and love well,

encourage and lift.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of Your Son.  Jesus, thank You that You came to set us free from the chains of our sin, and made the way for us to be restored to a right relationship with You. Thank You that You endured endless suffering on our behalf, because You loved. Forgive us for not choosing to love You and others as we are called to love, or for focusing inward instead of out. Teach us to trust You more, so that as we reach out in faith, we will recognize the remarkable ways in which You provide return to refill our hearts again. Lead us to love well, so that many may come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we bring the blessings of Your love to a world in need. 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

Let Jesus Be Known

May church and the home,

be places to learn;

where the truth of God,

we’re taught to discern.

As we are equipped,

we also should teach;

proclaim His promise,

to all whom we reach.

Let Jesus be known,

wherever we go;

show us what’s needed,

so we all may grow.

Grow in His wisdom,

learn how to give grace;

to be hands and heart,

to the human race.

No one discounted,

all people need much;

may His light and love,

be shown through our touch.

A handshake, a hug,

encouraging word;

may Christ’s loving heart,

be the voice that’s heard.

“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.” – (Acts 5:42)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace. Thank You that You love us just as we are, yet love us too much to allow us to stay steeped in sin, self-doubt and in lack. Thank You that as we come to You, and seek You with our whole heart, there You are, ready to love us to an abundant life in You. Thank You that this is a lifelong process, and that none of us “arrive” until we meet You face-to-face. Forgive us for expecting ourselves or others to have attained perfection at any point, and help us to give grace as You have given it to us. May we love others in such a way, that they might see You in all that we say and do. May many come to know You as their Savior and Friend. Amen.

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