And do everything with love. – (1 Corinthians 16:14, NLT)
Everything should be done in love. – (1 Corinthians 16:14, CEB)
And whatever you do, do it with kindness and love. – (1 Corinthians 16:14, TLB)
Let love prevail in your life, words, and actions. – (1 Corinthians 16:14, VOICE)
We are called to love. If we love others, our motivation for all that we do – our words, actions and our very lives, will be laden in love. For those who love us well, this is an easy call to answer. However, when we are met with unkindness, abrasiveness or seeming rejection, it is far more difficult to decide to do everything with kindness and love. Incredibly, when we choose love anyway, we often discover that what we perceived was not reality. Sometimes, people are completely guarded due to their own past hurts and are not willing to extend kindness until kindness is demonstrated toward them. Making the first move can create opportunity for love to prevail where it before may have failed. May we ever choose to do everything with love and kindness, just as Christ does so lavishly unto us. Let every word, deed and our very lives be an instrument to make His love tangible to all.
Let us choose to love,
As we’re called to do;
For kindness given,
Can lead to breakthrough.
In places where love,
Has clearly not been;
Can change by small acts,
Persistence will win.
For a life of love,
In word and in deed;
Is hard to reject,
For those who have need.
In everything,
Let love lead the way;
For our love matters,
Throughout all our days.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can love because You first loved us. Thank You that You call us to do everything with love. Thank You that as we do, You take our lives of love and reach others in ways that makes Your love tangible. Forgive us for not doing all things with kindness and love. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would let love prevail in our words, actions and every aspect of our lives. Show us how to do everything in love as we interact with those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose kindness and love in all things. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. – James 5:11