Celebrating Fathers

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word. – (Ephesians 5:25-26, HCSB)

Husbands, love your wives the same as Christ loved the church and gave His life for it. He died to make the church holy. He used the telling of the Good News to make the church clean by washing it with water. – (Ephesians 5:25-26, ERV)

Husbands, you must love your wives so deeply, purely, and sacrificially that we can understand it only when we compare it to the love the Anointed One has for His bride, the church. We know He gave Himself up completely to make her His own, washing her clean of all her impurity with water and the powerful presence of His word. – (Ephesians 5:25-26, VOICE)

It is interesting that this passage was part of my reading this morning, as it is a reminder of why we celebrate fathers today. Though not all have been present or have loved as one might hope, we can celebrate those we know who remind us what it is to be loved as God intended. For those who love their wives well, love their children in the same way – sacrificially, and build them up with loving encouragement in the right ways to go, let us celebrate and appreciate their love and sacrifice. I am blessed with a husband who loves us well, and would do anything for us to be sure our needs are met and our hearts held well.  May we seek the Lord with hearts full of thanks, for Him, our ultimate Father, and for the men in our lives who model God’s love to us in tangible ways.

To know the Lord’s love,

Look around and see;

Those who choose love well,

Show it tangibly.

Without conditions,

Such love is complete;

It sets our hearts free,

A place of retreat.

For this kind of love,

Chooses sacrifice;

Puts family first,

Gives godly advice.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the men in our lives that model a love like Yours. Thank You for the generosity and sacrifice that is given to their families, friends and communities. Forgive us for the times that we have not appreciated or acknowledged Your goodness that is shown through so many. Teach us to see You in those around us, and to celebrate and give thanks for Your heart that is grown within them. Show us how to love like You so that many may come to understand the depth and breadth of Your unfailing love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the husbands and fathers that You have placed around us, and for the ultimate Father that we have in You. Amen.

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

Look at how great a love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children. – 1 John 3:1a

The Golden Rule

Do to others as you would have them do to you. – (Luke 6:31, NIV)

Do for others what you want them to do for you. – (Luke 6:31, ERV)

However you wish to be treated by others is how you should treat everyone else. – (Luke 6:31, TPT)

This verse, also known as “The Golden Rule”, was spoken by Jesus for all. If we are truly seeking to love as God loves us, we will do unto, do for, and treat others the same way we desire to be treated. It does not say, “If others reciprocate, do these things,” but rather, just treat everyone well. Jesus does not love only those who love Him back, He truly loves all of His creation – passionately, sacrificially, and completely. His love is enough to meet our deepest needs. Because we are loved so well, we ought to long to do the same for those around us. The more we invest time with our Savior, the more clearly we are able to reflect His heart to the world. May we look for ways to do for others, to speak into the lives of others, and to treat others with the love that comes from Christ.

Do unto others,

As you would have done;

Treat all with kindness,

As each day’s begun.

Show all the great love,

That comes from the Lord;

Give kindness and grace,

Treat all as adored.

For through the Lord’s eyes,

He knows us by name;

His precious children,

Whom He loves the same.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving all of us so well. Thank You that You teach us, show us and call us to do the same. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to love as we are called to do. Teach us to turn to You to show us how, and equip us, to treat others the way we should. Fill us with Your love overflowing, so that we go forth and love all according to Your good and perfect will. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to do unto others, do for others, and treat others the way we were created to do. Amen.

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

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. – John 13:34