Love Fulfills

Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law. – (Romans 13:10, HCSB)

Love doesn’t hurt others. So loving is the same as obeying all the law. – (Romans 13:10, ERV)

Does love hurt anyone? Absolutely not. In fact, love achieves everything the law requires. – (Romans 13:10, VOICE)

To truly love is the fulfillment of the law, for when we love as God designed us to love, we hurt no one and do no wrong to anyone. The challenge is this is how we are meant to live, in word, thought, and deed. The most difficult part in this is to choose love in how we think about others, especially those who are unkind, rude, or intentionally awful to others. I can usually tame my tongue, but my thoughts toward such individuals are frequently less than loving. My prayer often needs to be, “Jesus, please help me to see them through Your eyes.” Incredibly, God is love. His love is perfect and He is ready and willing to show us how we are meant to love in every situation and circumstance. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love, so that all might come to know His goodness and grace.

True love does no harm,

it cares for others;

it protects, provides,

sisters and brothers.

Love looks to the heart,

and sees through God’s eyes;

it helps and it hopes,

all grace realized.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You loved us first. Thank You that Your love is overwhelming, never-ending, and invites all to receive. Forgive us for the times that we do not do the same. Teach us to see others through Your eyes, and lead us in Your love to love as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love, for it harms no one and fulfills the good that You ask of us all. Amen.

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

O Eternal, drench us with Your endless love, even now as we wait for You. – Psalm 33:22

To Find Life

Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. – (Proverbs 21:21, NIV)

People who try hard to do good and be faithful will find life, goodness, and honor. – (Proverbs 21:21, ERV)

Whoever pursues justice and treats others with kindness discovers true life marked by integrity and respect. – (Proverbs 21:21, VOICE)

The more we pursue what is good, right and just, the more we discover a life filled with goodness and respect. This does not mean that all is free from challenge and trouble, but it does mean that the love we choose to continually give is seen and known, and our heart and intent are clear, despite what comes our way. God is good, and His ways are right and true. As we trust and follow Him, we naturally seek to treat others with kindness, just as He has done for us. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in what is just and kind, and may our lives be marked with integrity and respect as we love as God designed us to love.

Pursue what is just,

with integrity;

for in doing so,

we find we are free.

Free to love all those,

throughout each new day;

whom we encounter,

as we live His way.

Goodness and justice,

peace and the Lord’s grace;

extended in love,

make the Lord’s love plain.

So, ever seek Him,

and do as He does;

for everything,

is done in His love.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to do good and what is just. Thank You that as we choose to love like You, we discover Your goodness and grace that is poured out upon us. Forgive us for the times that we have not responded to those around us with Your love that is just and good and right. Teach us to seek You to lead us in all things and all times. Show us how to love as You love, with goodness and grace, justice and faithfulness. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ever seek You to lead us in Your love that is just and right and leads to life everlasting. Amen.

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

Human, the Lord has told you what goodness is. This is what He wants from you: Be fair to other people, love kindness and loyalty, and humbly obey your God. – Micah 6:8