The Light of Love

Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing to make them stumble. – (1 John 2:10, NIV)

Those who love their brothers and sisters live in the light, and there is nothing in them that will make them do wrong. – (1 John 2:10, ERV)

Anyone who loves his brother or sister lives in the light and will not trip because his conscience is clear. – (1 John 2:10, VOICE)

I think God gave us dogs to show us what it is to love each other. Dogs love their people, and are quick to demonstrate their love and affection. They do not judge others by appearances, but rather seem to sense the heart and what it needs, and simply love. Loyal and protective, tender and sweet, pups remind us that we can be loving, discerning, and kind, yet protect in strength when necessary. Imagine what the world would be like if we all loved similarly. People would greet each other with joy, and seek to befriend everyone throughout each day. Of course there are times when we must use wisdom and keep at safe distance, yet we can choose to love through lifting one another up, rather than allowing frustrations or fears to cause us to act or speak in a way that does not demonstrate love. Each time that we choose love, we are encouraging others to do the same. May we ever seek the Lord to show us how to love others and live in His light, so that no word or deed would lead others in a direction they are not meant to go.

Lord, teach us to love,

Sisters and brothers;

Be kind and give strength,

Give grace to others.

Show us what to do,

So Your love is shown;

Keep darkness from us,

And make Your heart known.

May all that we do,

And all that we say;

Lead others to love,

Throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love one another as You love each of us. Thank You that You show us what it is to love through those who have gone before us, and those who surround us. Forgive us for the times that our words or actions have displayed anything other than Your love and grace. Teach us how to love our sisters and brothers as You call us to love. Show us how to be light and life and love in such a way, that hearts are turned to You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord. Be glorified O God, as we pursue a life of loving You and loving those around us. Amen.

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

It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, for You loved them. – Psalm 44:3

Devoted in Love

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. – (Romans 12:10, NIV)

Love each other in a way that makes you feel close like brothers and sisters. And give each other more honor than you give yourselves. – (Romans 12:10, ERV)

Be devoted to tenderly loving your fellow believers as members of one family. Try to outdo yourselves in respect and honor of one another. – (Romans 12:10, TPT)

 

We are called to invest in loving one another in a way that makes us feel like family. This happens when we respect and honor each other, choosing love over all else. Like family, there will always be things that we disagree with or are bothered by, yet at the end of the day, family is family, and we choose to love. It is meant to be the same way with those whom the Lord has brought into our circles. May we ever choose to be devoted to the body to which we are called, and love tenderly with respect and honor, as we are called to do.

 

We’re all the body,

Each called to believe;

To love each other,

Just as we’ve received.

With love and respect,

May we choose to raise;

Lift those around us,

Throughout all our days.

Respect and honor,

Draw close together;

Brothers and sisters,

Loved ones to treasure.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You draw us into a body of believers with whom we can become family. Thank You that You lead, guide and direct our steps as to how to do so in You. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected the very things which You call us to do with those whom You place in our lives. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would choose to love, respect and honor those around us as part of Your family. Show us how to love in a way that honors and respects those around us and draws us together as family. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we are devoted to one another in love, and honor others more than ourselves. Amen.

 

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

 

Show respect for all people. Love your brothers and sisters in God’s family. Respect God, and honor the king. – 1 Peter 2:17