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

Go Shine

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness. – (John 12:46, NIV)

I am Light that has come into the world so that all who believe in Me won’t stay any longer in the dark. – (John 12:46, MSG)

 

Without Christ, we are stuck in the darkness of our own sin. Christ came so that we might have Light and life and truth. When we believe in Him, darkness must flee, for light and dark cannot dwell together. Light illuminates the darkness. Just as a small nightlight can make a world of difference for a little child on a dark night, so too can one person who bears the light of Christ, in a dark world. When we let our light shine, darkness disappears. Kindness, goodness, generosity and grace are contagious. One spark of compassion can ignite an entire community to do likewise. May we go forth in His light and be sparks, allowing His love to fan our words and deeds into a blaze.

 

May we seek to be,

Sparks that fan to flame;

As we honor Christ,

Glorify His Name.

Light dispels darkness,

In practical ways;

With kindness and grace,

That we give away.

Our great example,

Known throughout the earth;

Chose to love and serve,

And grant us great worth.

May we do likewise,

Go forth and be light;

Love as we are loved,

And choose do what’s right.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son into the world to be light and life and love. Thank You that through Him, we can have life abundant in You. Forgive us for remaining hidden in the darkness of our own shame and sin, rather than allowing Your light to shine into the dark spaces to bring light and life where it is needed most. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would invite You to shine brightest in the places that are the darkest. Show us how to love others well, so that we may shine the light of Your hope before them through our kindness and care. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we allow Your light to shine through us wherever we go. Amen.

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

They will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness. – Psalm 145:7