For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. – (1 John 3:11, HCSB)
This is the teaching you have heard from the beginning: We must love one another. – (1 John 3:11, ERV)
The central truth – the one you have heard since the beginning of your faith – is that we must love one another. – (1 John 3:11, VOICE)
The foundation of our faith is meant to be to love God and love people. If we do these things, everything we say, every action and decision we make, ought to be led by love. This is both our charge and our challenge, as human brokenness and frailty can cloud our vision and divert our hearts from love. This is a lifelong process, yet every day is a new opportunity to seek Him to love well. Each day is a fresh start, with direction and appointments to love others as we are loved by God. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in love so that we may love one another as He intended.
God’s own foundation,
For what we’re to do;
To love each other,
With His love that’s true.
If left on our own,
We’d fail terribly;
Yet with the Lord’s grace,
We gain eyes to see.
To see each other,
As the Lord intends;
Brothers and sisters,
Meant to love as friends.
Show us, Lord Jesus,
To love as You do;
Make our hearts like Yours,
So each day love’s new.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that the foundation of our faith is all about love. Thank You that You first loved us, though we were unworthy. Thank You that You have shown us what we are meant to do, and that You are willing to equip and empower us to love like You. Forgive us for our lack of seeking You when we feel irritated or depleted. Teach us to turn to You in all things and at all times, so that we may see others through Your lens of love. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come to know the goodness of Your love and grace and choose to live a life in pursuit of You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to live out Your love throughout all of our days. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.” – John 13:34
Revelations In Writing 