Guided By Love

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – (Matthew 5:16, NIV)

In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven. – (Matthew 5:16, ERV)

So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that your commendable works will shine as light upon them, and then they will give praise to your Father in heaven. – (Matthew 5:16, TPT)

This aligns with one of my favorite quotes: “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” (St. Francis of Assisi) Our charge is not to simply speak of our faith, but rather it is to live it out. If people see Christ in us through how we live and care for others, they will ask questions and provide opportunities for us to use words. However, if there is nothing that separates us from anyone else then anything we say will fall on deaf ears. This does not mean that we have to be perfect, or that we have to fear our human flaws, but rather it frees us to walk in God’s grace and choose to love big. When all that we do is guided and steeped in love, His light shines through us and is made known. May we ever seek the Lord to grow us in His love so that we may shine brightly before all.

O Lord help Your light,

Shine brightly through us;

As we grow and learn,

To love like Jesus.

Let all that we do,

Be guided by love;

So others may know,

It’s from You, above.

Thank You for Your grace,

For the times we fail;

Love that leads us on,

So Your love prevails.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your son to show us what it is to lead a life of love. Thank You that as we invest in our relationship with You, You increase our capacity to love well and live out a life in You. Forgive us for our faults and failures, the words and actions that have been lacking Your love. Show us how to love all people in all circumstances, and to live a life according to Your loving plan. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we invest our hearts and lives into knowing more of You so that we may be a reflection of Your love. 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

Let Our Lives Show Love

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. – (Colossians 3:17, NIV)

Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus. – (Colossians 3:17, ERV)

Let every activity of your lives and every word that comes from your lips be drenched with the beauty of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. And bring your constant praise to God the Father because of what Christ has done for you! – (Colossians 3:17, TPT)

Imagine what the world would be like if everything we said and everything we did, were done with the love and goodness of God. I suspect that not only the speaker and the doer would give thanks, but also the recipient of every word and action. Peace would reign and love would be proclaimed. Praise would be present throughout all our days. Though not one of us is perfect, nor has achieved a day where all that we do and say is done unto God, yet as we seek Him and grow in His grace, we come closer to loving as we were designed to love. May we ever seek the Lord and give Him thanks, for as we do He grows us in His goodness and grace.

Let every word,

That departs our lips;

Be drenched in goodness,

With kindness, equipped.

And may our actions,

Exhibit God’s love;

Done unto Jesus,

Our Savior above.

May our very lives,

Exude love and grace;

And let us give thanks,

Throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to live out the overwhelming love that You give to us. Thank You that as we pursue a life in You, You show us more and more how to love through our every word and deed. Forgive us for our words and actions that have not reflected Your goodness or grace. Teach us to submit our every word and deed unto You, so that all that we say and all that we do, is a loving reflection of You. Show us how to love those around us best, with our words and actions. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. We give You thanks and praise for Your loving and gracious ways. Be glorified O God, as we lean into You to live and love like You. Amen.

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

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6