A Good Neighbor

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. – (Romans 15:2, NIV)

But do what pleases them and is for their good. We should do whatever helps everyone grow stronger in faith. – (Romans 15:2, ERV)

Each of us must strive to please our neighbors, pursuing their welfare so they will become strong. – (Romans 15:2, VOICE)

How can we please our neighbors? I don’t know about you, but for me, a good neighbor is one who is kind and considerate. To help build up and grow stronger in faith requires a relationship. If we don’t know our neighbors, we cannot possibly build them up nor help them grow stronger in faith. Neighbors can be anyone we interact with daily. Interestingly, we seem to be in a day and age where we do not really know the people who live nearby in our neighborhoods. In our neighborhood growing up, we all knew each other and looked out for one another. Today, such a neighborhood is rare. My husband is good at this, as he knows everyone on our block and has a positive rapport with each of them. My “neighbors” are more the teachers in nearby classrooms, as most of my waking hours are spent there. Having worked at the same school my entire career thus far, I have the benefit of knowing my colleagues well. Though I do not see everyone each day, I have had positive interactions with them all at one time or another. Wherever we are and whatever we do, we can be good neighbors and build others up. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us and show us how to be pleasing to those around us so that our kindness and care points hearts to the One who loves us best.

Wherever we are,

Whatever we do;

We all have neighbors,

That we are called to.

Called to choose do good,

And love others well;

So that all may grow,

And in goodness dwell.

Show us, Lord Jesus,

How to be the ones;

That lift others up,

And care as You’ve done.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to be good neighbors that love well and consider those around us. Thank You that we can encourage others and help strengthen their faith as You work in and through us. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to be good neighbors in the spaces You have called us live and work and dwell. Teach us to trust You more and to follow the example that You have set before us. Lead us in Your love so that we may love our neighbors as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to love and care for those around us best. Amen.

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

For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Galatians 5:14

The Gift of Grace

And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. – (Romans 11:6, NIV)

And if He chose them by grace, then it is not what they have done that made them His people. If they could be made His people by what they did, His gift of grace would not really be a gift. – (Romans 11:6, ERV)

Grace is central in God’s action here, and it has nothing to do with deeds prescribed by the law. If it did, grace would not be grace. – (Romans 11:6, VOICE)

I am so glad this is true. If you have ever spent time reading Levitical laws, you know there is no way humanly possible to follow them all. However, our salvation is not based on that, instead, we are saved by grace. God welcomes us unto Himself when we call on His Name and trust in Him. His expectations for us are to love Him and love people. The Lord does not expect us to do this on our own, but rather He gives us His grace, mercy, love, and kindness to love well. We cannot earn our way into heaven by being or doing good enough. In place of such, He gives us a heart like His and provides what we need to navigate each day. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us by His grace and extend what we have been given to those around us.

Chosen by God’s grace,

It’s truly a gift;

His love we can’t earn,

In praise, choose uplift.

For God is so good,

His grace He pours out;

Calls us His own kids,

Love’s what He’s about.

So, ever seek Him,

And trust in His grace;

Love God and people,

And give Him all praise.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love and salvation are gifts You freely give when we choose to receive all that You offer and follow after You. Thank You that we do not need to be “good enough”, for You within us, is more than enough. Forgive us for thinking that we somehow could earn Your favor rather than simply trusting in Your goodness and grace and choosing to follow after You out of love and gratitude not fear or obligation. Teach us trust You more so that we might love as You love. Lead us in Your love as we praise You and pursue to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for Your overwhelming grace that calls us Your own and compels us to love well. Amen.

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

Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. – John 1:16

Thankful for Grace

I always thank my God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. – (1 Corinthians 1:4, NIV)

I always thank my God for you because of the grace that He has given you through Christ Jesus. – (1 Corinthians 1:4, ERV)

I am continuously thanking my God for you when I think about the grace God has offered you in Jesus the Anointed. – (1 Corinthians 1:4, VOICE)

Even though these words were those of Paul to the church of Corinth, they are applicable for us today as we think of those people in our lives who have either influenced us or our loved ones with the grace that God has given them. Last evening, we gathered with a small family group and their spouses to celebrate my mother-in-law’s 80^th birthday. Today, there will be a larger gathering of extended family and friends to join to celebrate this lovely lady and the impact her life has had on us all. For me, I am especially grateful for how she has raised her children. She raised her three kids primarily alone, and each of them has gone on to love their families well and have a tremendous work ethic and godly values. Her influence as a faithful woman of God, encouraged them to each find their way well. I know from their stories that it was likely not easy, and that the grace she was given to extend to them was tremendous. Her heart for the Lord and for those around her has been passed on to her children, and each care for and love well. Last evening, after the dinner gathering had finished, her two boys and their spouses (myself being one of them), drove her home to inspect her tv that had been acting up. What we thought would be a quick fix, turned into a delightful time of the brothers bonding over buying a new television for mom and getting it set up, while we spouses hung out with mom. The best part of the evening was the ongoing bursts of laughter, and the genuine smiles of pure delight on mom’s face as she watched her boys work and all three bantered back and forth. Her love for her kids and the grace that she gives has molded each into the wonderful human they are today. May we ever take time to give God thanks for those whom He has given us to show us the power of God’s goodness and grace through their love.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

For goodness and grace;

The power of love,

Throughout all our days.

For the grace given,

Can be shared with all;

Challenge, encourage,

Answer the Lord’s call.

One of the best gifts,

Is through our mothers;

Who help us become,

Loving to others.

Help us to honor,

Those who give Your grace;

Celebrate in love,

Your wonderful ways.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of those whom You have given that show us what Your goodness and grace is all about. Thank You for the blessing of my mother-in-law as we celebrate her 80^th birthday. Thank You for the way that You have led her to raise her children well. Forgive us for taking the gift of Your grace to us for granted. Teach us to praise You and to value the blessings of grace that You have placed all around us. Show us how to love and appreciate those around us well, and to extend Your grace to one another. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for the overwhelming grace that You give and have given to us through the people that You have purposefully placed in our lives. Amen.

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

Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. – John 1:16

Through Your Eyes

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. – (1 John 3:18, NIV)

My children, our love should not be only words and talk. No, our love must be real. We must show our love by the things we do. – (1 John 3:18, ERV)

My little children, don’t just talk about love as an idea or a theory. Make it your true way of life, and live in the pattern of gracious love. – (1 John 3:18, VOICE)

We are charged to live a life that overflows with love, not by mere words, but rather through the things we do over and over again. It is only through living life in a pattern of gracious love that our words will bear any weight. This charge is both a challenge and a command, for if we are to love as Jesus loves we must do as Jesus did. He did not shy away from those who were different than Himself, nor did He walk the other way from those with infirmities, deformities, and various other physical and emotional ailments. Do we choose to love those we do not understand, or do we avoid them? In today’s culture, this is a daily challenge, as we cannot go anywhere without encountering others who view the world through a different lens than our own. How we choose to interact is a demonstration of either love or lack thereof. At the end of the day what matters most is whether or not we choose to love well. Though far from perfect, this is my aim as I wake and begin each day. Some days are more successful than others. Thankfully, we serve a God whose mercies are new every morning, and with each new day is another opportunity to love as He loves us all. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love and may every encounter we have demonstrate His love through our actions.

Let love be the aim,

In all that we do;

May all our actions,

Show God’s love is true.

Be it not through words,

But rather what’s done;

Kindness and goodness,

Like the Holy One.

Lead us in Your love,

Throughout each new day;

Help us share Your heart,

And walk in Your way.

Be glorified Lord,

Through every deed;

With hands set to serve,

And give where there’s need.

Show us Lord Jesus,

Each day as we rise;

How to love like You,

View all through Your eyes.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to show us what it is to love with actions and in truth. Thank You Jesus, that You touched the “untouchables”, You fed the hungry, drew near to the despised and rejected, and in all situations and circumstances, chose love. Forgive us for the times that we have not chosen to love through the things that we have done. Teach us to seek You and do as You would do. Lead us to love with actions and in truth so that Your heart may be made clear to all those around us. Show us how to love everyone 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 throughout each new day, and help us to reflect Your goodness as we walk in Your way. Amen.

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

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. – Hebrews 10:24

What Love Really Means

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, NIV)

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, ERV)

Love is patient; love is kind. Love isn’t envious, doesn’t boast or brag, or strut about. There’s no arrogance in love; it’s never rude, crude, or indecent – it’s not self-absorbed. Love isn’t easily upset. Love doesn’t tally wrongs. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, VOICE)

As we head toward Valentine’s Day, it is always a good idea to think about what love really means. So often, love is mistaken for lust or infatuation. Real love is a decision and a commitment, not a fleeting feeling. Love is not limited to eros, which is physical love, the sort of love intended for spouses; philos, is warm affection or friendship; agape is the sacrificial, unconditional love of God, and the example of how we ought to love one another. In this 1 Corinthians 13 explanation of love, we see that love is sacrificial – for it requires sacrifice to let go of anger and wrongs. This passage also demonstrates that love is active, for patience and kindness are intentional acts of the will. Additionally, we need to be obedient to God to love in a way that does not envy or boast or dishonor others. If we love and obey God, we are God-seeking Him to show us and grow us in His love so that we may love Him and one another as He designed us to love. May we ever invest our hearts into a deeper relationship with Christ so that we may be transformed into His likeness to love well.

Lord, grow our patience,

And help us be kind;

No grudge or envy,

With Your love in mind.

May love be our choice,

Every day new;

Reflecting Your heart,

In ways that are true.

Alive and active,

Is the love from You;

May we love likewise,

Bring honor to You.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect love for us. Thank You that You designed us and You remind us to understand and extend all that You’ve given us to You and those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have been rude, self-seeking, or held grudges. Teach us to love like You in every situation and circumstance. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to learn to love well. Amen.

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

But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. – Psalm 86:15

Abiding in Jesus

Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. – (John 15:4, NIV)

Stay joined to Me and I will stay joined to you. No branch can produce fruit alone. It must stay connected to the vine. It is the same with you. You cannot produce fruit alone. You must stay joined to Me. – (John 15:4, ERV)

Live in Me. Make your home in Me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with Me. – (John 15:4, MSG)

As a middle school teacher in January, I recognize the truth of this in very tangible ways. If I do not begin my day with Jesus, my heart is not set right to abide in Him. Without Him, I would not get through the challenges that nearing the end of the first semester bring. Between the push to complete and finalize grading, kids in scramble mode to raise grades, behaviors break down and patience is challenged. When I rely on He who is in me, I am kinder and more patient. In the moments that I try to trust in my own strength, frustration rises, and I am ready to walk away. Remaining in Jesus means to listen to His leading in all things. This includes moments of frustration and challenge, as well as those of blessing and celebration. He is always good, and is faithful to supply what we need in all things. May we ever abide in Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith; for greater is He who is in us, than anything that is in the world.

Abide in Jesus,

As He does in us;

Our Hope and Helper,

The One who sees us.

He knows all our needs,

When we’re not aware;

And as we seek Him,

Always, He is there.

Present to help us,

To show us the way;

To live and love well,

As in Him we stay.

So, remain in God,

The Giver of grace;

Our Help and our Hope,

Throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to lead us and help us to bear good fruit as we remain in You. Thank You that You are for us, and that Your heart is to lead us to love well. Forgive us for the times that we rely on our own strength, for that is where our patience grows thin, and our resolve diminishes. Teach us to abide in You throughout every moment of every day. Show us how to love those around us as You intended, so that Your light and love are made known to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we abide in You and seek You to be the bearer of fruit in and through our lives. Amen.

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

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10

Let Love Continue

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. – (Hebrews 13:1, NIV)

Continue loving each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. – (Hebrews 13:1, ERV)

Let love continue among you. – (Hebrews 13:1, VOICE)

We are called and commanded to love one another like family. I know not all families show and express love as God intended, but it seems that God places us among those who can become family. I am beyond blessed to have a sister and mom who love well. Their love for me and one another is unconditional, and loyalty is a bond that cannot be broken. If in our broken humanity we are able to love and be loved well, how much more ought we extend the same to those in our communities. The more we choose to love, the greater the opportunity for God’s love to be made known, and His light to shine in places lacking light. Yesterday, I had to have a punch biopsy done on my upper lip. The result included a few stitches and a lovely bandage situation in said location. Though a bit self-conscious about it when I walked into the gym to coach my high school gymnasts, I was met with nothing but love and concern. Their kindness reminded me that God is always good, and that He has me in the hollow of His hands. The biggest challenge now is that I can’t smile without pulling on the stitches, and I am surrounded by people who make me smile by being themselves. God’s goodness is evident all around us, and the more we choose to love our brothers and sisters (the people whom God places in our lives), the more His love continues to spread and His light shines ever brighter. May we seek the Lord to lead us in His love so that we may love well, all whom He has placed upon our path.

The love of the Lord,

Is given to us;

So we too may love,

Just like Lord Jesus.

His love is gracious,

Gentle and it’s kind;

Without conditions,

He has us in mind.

With this sort of love,

That’s meant for others;

To reach out, to give,

Sisters and brothers.

Help us ever seek,

So that we shall find;

Overflowing love,

To share with mankind.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love those around us like family. Thank You for the beautiful blessing I have in both my family by blood, and those whom You have purposefully placed in my life. Forgive me for the times that I have not loved as You intended. Teach me to trust You more, so that all that I do and all that I say is a reflection of Your gracious and generous love. Lead me to love those around me in ways that make Your heart abundantly clear. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to love those around us as brothers and sisters. Amen.

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

Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life. – Psalm 143:8

Approach Boldly

Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. – (Hebrews 4:16, HCSB)

With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it. – (Hebrews 4:16, ERV)

So let us step boldly to the throne of grace, where we can find mercy and grace to help when we need it most. – (Hebrews 4:16, VOICE)

Because Jesus came and took all of our sin and shortcomings upon Himself, we are able to stand before God to ask for His mercy and grace when we need it. We need not fear that God will grow weary of our asking, for He sent Jesus because He knows our desperate need. This morning, as I am weary and ready for rest this weekend, I know that He will supply the strength and endurance I need to get through today. May we ever approach the throne of grace with boldness, for God welcomes us into His presence and provides what we need as we come before Him.

With mercy and grace,

Is how we are met;

By God, our Father,

Who erased our debt.

The sins of the past,

He’s wiped them away;

And gives us His grace,

To love well each day.

May we keep seeking,

The Lord God above;

Who grants us mercy,

And fills us with love.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to make the way for us to come before You with confidence. Confidence in knowing that we will be heard and helped and held. Forgive us for the times that we have not come before You in our need, for You instruct and remind us to come unto You. Teach us to bring all our burdens before You, for You flood us with Your mercy and love and give us the grace we need to keep moving forward in the direction to which we have been called. Show us how to love those around us well, so that Your goodness, mercy and love are made evident through all that we say and do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we boldly come before Your throne, grateful for Your goodness and grace that made the way for us to know and depend on You. Amen.

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

“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Called to Community

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time. – (Proverbs 17:17, HCSB)

A friend loves you all the time, but a brother was born to help in times of trouble. – (Proverbs 17:17, ERV)

Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. – (Proverbs 17:17, MSG)

A true friend loves regardless of the situation, and a real brother exists to share the tough times. – (Proverbs 17:17, VOICE)

This is yet another reminder that we were created to be in community. If we invest in time with friends and family, we grow close and are ready to walk alongside each other, no matter what comes our way. True investment connects hearts and lives, and provides opportunity to love and be loved as God intended. Though a simple concept, it requires intentional investment. May we ever seek the Lord to show us how to invest in our relationships with friends and family, and to equip us to love and help one another at all times.

No matter what comes,

We are called to seek;

Time with each other,

In community.

When one friend falls down,

Another is near;

To help the one up,

And overcome fear.

Together there’s strength,

The power to move;

Hope to keep going,

And fear is removed.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have created and called us to be in community. Thank You for the friends and family that You have placed around us. Thank You for the gift of loving and being loved. Forgive us for neglecting to invest in those You have placed around us. Teach us to know the balance of time and energy that will grow depth in our community without depleting us of necessary rest. Show us how to love well, so that our friends and family know that they always have someone in their corner, ready to walk beside them. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, for You are the ultimate Father and friend. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the family and friends around us, and seek You to lead us to love one another well. Amen.

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

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. – Ecclesiastes 4:9

How Love is Made Known

Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, HCSB)

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, ERV)

Love is patient; love is kind. Love isn’t envious, doesn’t boast, brag, or strut about. There’s no arrogance in love; it’s never rude, crude or indecent – it’s not self-absorbed. Love isn’t easily upset. Love doesn’t tally wrongs. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, VOICE)

God provides us the ultimate example of what love is and is not. We are commanded to love God and love people, and He both shows and tells us what it is to love. Patience and kindness should lead us in how we love. Jealousy, pride, unkindness, selfishness and a short temper do not help us show love. In our broken humanity, we all struggle with loving as God does in all things. All it takes is being stuck in Seattle traffic during rush hour to be reminded that we are ALL a work in progress. We have the opportunity to extend love everywhere we go and through everything we do. Imagine what the world would look like if we all sought the Lord to lead us in His love in all that we said and did? Each time that we extend patience and kindness, we are igniting a spark that can spread. For me, when I have been granted patience or kindness when I know I did not deserve it, it caused me to take pause and work to do the same in similar situations. May we ever seek the Lord in His goodness and grace to lead us in His incredible love in all things.

Lord, help us to love,

In all that we do;

Let each word and deed,

Reflect Your heart true.

Grant us Your patience,

And Your kindness too;

Lead us to love well,

As You call us to.

Help us be gracious,

Wherever we go;

May Your heart shine through,

So love is made known.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love. Thank You that You show us what love is and is not, so that we know what You are calling us to do. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked patience or kindness, the times that we have been jealous or rude or proud. Teach us to trust and follow You so that we might extend Your heart to the world through our love. Show us how to be patient and kind in each circumstance we encounter. Help us to love as You love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love in all that we say and do in every circumstance. 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