Called to Better

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. – (Psalm 103:8, NIV) 

The Lord is kind and merciful. He is patient and full of love. – (Psalm 103:8, ERV) 

Lord, You’re so kind and tenderhearted to those who don’t deserve it and so patient with people who fail You! Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness. – (Psalm 103:8, TPT)

God’s compassion, grace, kindness and mercy are exactly what the world needs right now. With all of the recent human ugliness, “…a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness”, is exactly the sort of love and patience we need to have with one another. We are a broken people, full of fault and failure, desperately in need of God’s mercy and love. God is all of these things and more, yet we have the choice to either receive from Him and pass it on, or stay stuck in our broken state of being. As we accept what the Lord freely gives, we are driven to do better; be better. May we ever pursue the Lord and His goodness, so that we may extend the same to all with whom we interact. 

Kindness, compassion, 

Patience and great love; 

All from the Father, 

Our Lord up above. 

All these are granted, 

Though we don’t deserve; 

May it compel us, 

To listen and serve. 

For as we receive, 

We’re equipped to give; 

Love as intended, 

Grace and peace to live. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love. Thank You that as we seek You and receive from You, You equip us to go forth and love in the same way. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked compassion or grace, and allowed anger to get in the way of love. Show us how to love like You – with compassion, grace, patience, and kindness. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to show us how to be and do better, each day that we draw breath. Amen. 

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

He has caused wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. – Psalm 111:4

Countless Expressions of Love

Many, Lord my God, are the wonders You have done, the things You planned for us. None can compare with You; were I to speak and tell of Your deeds, they would be too many to declare. – (Psalm 40:5, NIV)

Lord my God, You have done many amazing things! You have made great plans for us – too many to list. I could talk on and on about them, because there are too many to count. – (Psalm 40:5, ERV)

O Lord, our God, no one can compare with You. Such wonderful works and miracles are all found with You! And You think of us all the time with Your countless expressions of love – far exceeding our expectations! – (Psalm 40:5, TPT)

 

After spending yesterday afternoon with my boys and dear friend, who is an incredible photographer, as she captured fantastic photos of each of my blessings for their senior pictures, I find the above verse from Psalm 40 incredibly fitting this morning as I reflect. These boys are two of the most incredible gifts that I have ever received, and the works and miracles that have taken place from their premature entry into the world up to now, more than seventeen years later, account for countless wonders that have shown me God’s love, over and over again. Creative and kind, tenderhearted and wise beyond their years, to witness their lives unfold as they navigate near adulthood floods my heart with gratitude and awe. Each time I catch a glimpse of either of my children, I am reminded of the goodness of God. May we remember with gratitude, the wonderful works and miracles found in God, and the countless expressions of love that He shows us each new day that we are granted.

The boys and I were delighted to catch mom on our drive home, as she and my sister’s family were a few minutes away from dinner, so the timing seemed to work well. Mom loved hearing about her grandsons’ senior photoshoot, and we were thrilled to hear the excitement in her voice about her new-found capacity to stand at the island in the kitchen and lend a hand with dinner preparation. For each of us, we sat in a space of gratitude for the works that God is doing.

 

The wonderful works,

Of God’s mighty hands;

Too many to count,

For His love is grand.

A love that exceeds,

All depth that we feel;

Grace, strength and goodness,

His blessings reveal.

In awe and wonder,

May we give God praise;

One beyond compare,

His love, all our days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonders You have done for us and planned for us. Thank You that the work of Your hands on our behalf is limitless. Forgive us for even a moment of taking Your goodness and blessings for granted. Teach us to appreciate every single blessing; for You know our hearts and bless us individually. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your heart for them known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the countless wonders and blessings You have granted in our lives, and for how perfectly, You love. Amen.

 

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

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34

His Kindness

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. – (Psalm 145:8, NIV)

The Lord is kind and merciful, patient and full of love. – (Psalm 145:8, ERV)

You are kind and tenderhearted to those who don’t deserve it and very patient with people who fail You. Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness. – (Psalm 145:8, TPT)

 

I am so grateful that these attributes of God are true, as He does not place conditions on His love for us. It is a very good thing, as I know that I have not been the best version of myself lately, for pain and exhaustion do not breed patience in me. In spaces where I have gone in expecting the worst simply because of my own shortcomings, God has provided His loving kindness in unexpected ways. He has granted patience that I have not deserved and flooded me with His kindness in moments that I needed it most. May we ever turn in trust to He who is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.

 

Even at our worst, 

His kindness prevails;

For the love of God,

Will not ever fail.

He’s patient and kind,

Full of mercy too;

Slow to get angry,

His grace gets us through.

With great compassion,

He gives love away;

Though undeserving,

He floods us with grace.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us whether we deserve it or not. Thank You that You are patient and full of love. Thank You that You flood us with Your kindness and love, even when we fail You miserably. Forgive us for our lack of faith that gets us in a frenzy over our circumstances, rather than keeping our eyes and hearts securely set on You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would continue to hope and trust in You no matter what we see or are experiencing in the moment. Show us how to love those around us in a way that gives grace, compassion and kindness where it is needed most. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your kindness, faithfulness and love for us at all times. Amen.

 

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

 

Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things. Who, O God, is like You? – Psalm 71:19

Be Kind

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. – (Ephesians 4:32, NLT)

Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ. – (Ephesians 4:32, ERV)

Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. – (Ephesians 4:32, MSG)

 

It is easy to be kind, gentle and sensitive to those who are kind, gentle and sensitive toward us, but what about those who are not? We are called to follow the example set before us by Christ. Jesus showed kindness to those who did not deserve it, was merciful to those who had not shown mercy to others, and forgave, even the very ones who had hung Him on the cross to die. That is some serious grace in a place where wrath and anger, or at least frustration, might be expected. We are called to live by the same standard. When people offend us, we are meant to forgive, even if they do not ask to be forgiven. Our egos are not more important than their souls seeing God’s goodness. No, God does not ask us to be foolish and remain in harmful, dangerous or toxic spaces, however, He does expect us to forgive even the worst of those who have hurt our hearts or ruined relationships. God’s love is greater, and by His grace, we can love and be kind because we have been forgiven too. May we ever seek our Savior who has forgiven much, so that we may go forth and do likewise in love.

 

The Lord God is kind,

Our sins, He forgives;

And beyond His grace,

He loves as we live.

Because of His love,

We’re called to the same;

Forgive offenses,

Be kind in His Name.

For as we choose love,

Show mercy and grace;

We’re being a light,

To walk in His ways.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have forgiven us of so much. Thank You that You are kind, tenderhearted and loving toward us, though we do not deserve it. Forgive us for the times that we have not forgiven others as we are forgiven by You, or for withholding kindness where we are called to love. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving of one another, just as You are of us. Show us how to walk this out in love with all whom we encounter in all things and at all times. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to do unto others as You have done so lovingly and generously unto us. Amen.

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

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. – Acts 2:28

Be Kind to Each Other

Instead be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. – (Ephesians 4:32, NLT)

Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ. – (Ephesians 4:32, ERV)

 

The bottom line remains the same in each verse where we are called to action by God. To be kind to each other, tenderhearted and forgiving, ultimately means to love others as we are loved by God. If we love, then we forgive. It does not mean we walk blindly and foolishly into a place where harm happens, but rather it is the placing all of our past hurts into His hands, and allowing the Lord to lead us forward in the direction that He is calling us to go. May we receive all that God so graciously gives, so that we can go forth and do likewise.

 

With kindness and grace,

As we each receive;

May we too go forth,

Give hope to believe.

When we choose to love,

As God’s done for us;

His heart is made known,

Grace and forgiveness.

So let us be kind,

Tenderhearted too;

Give as we’re given,

So God’s love shines through.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are kind and loving to us, and that You forgive us through Christ, as we ask. Thank You that You do not only call us to be kind, loving and forgiving to one another, but You have shown us how and give us the strength we need to do what You ask. Forgive us for not choosing to love as we are loved. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would forgive, even those who do not ask for our forgiveness, because holding the hurt only harms us, not them. Show us how to love those around us in a way that extends kindness and grace and points people unto You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord. Be glorified O God, as we choose to be kind and loving to each other, forgiving as we have been forgiven. Amen.

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

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. – 2 Corinthians 3:5

Let Us Choose Kindness

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. – (Ephesians 4:32, NLT)

Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ. – (Ephesians 4:32, ERV)

 

We are called to be kind, loving and forgiving, just as Christ is unto us. While we were yet sinners, He chose to love us. In the same way, He asks that we choose to love others so that they might see Him through us, and come to know that there is so much more available to all who choose to trust in Christ. May we love, forgive and extend kindness, just as each are given unto us, so that others too, might choose to enter into a relationship with our Redeemer for all eternity.

 

In this crazy world,

Where anything goes;

Let us choose kindness,

So Christ in us shows.

May we choose to love,

Where others might not;

We’ve been forgiven,

Make known what we’ve got.

As we offer grace,

Though it’s not deserved;

May the truth be known,

In Christ, hope’s preserved.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be kind and loving to one another, just as You are unto us. Thank You that You forgive us, and in turn grant us the grace to forgive others. Thank You that when we do, Your light shines through us, making the truth known to those who might not yet know You. Forgive us for our lack of kindness and grace toward those around us, and for any lack of forgiveness that we harbor in our hearts. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would extend to others, the very same kindness, love and forgiveness that You give unto us. Show us how to love like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we choose to be kind and tenderhearted to those whom we encounter, forgiving one another as we have been forgiven by You. Amen.

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

Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; …my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

 

Loved to Love

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. – (Colossians 3:12, NLT)

 

As my pastor continued in his series entitled, The Gift, the focus of this week’s lesson was love. Just as God loves us, we too, are meant to go forth and give His love in us, away. To do this, we must clothe ourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, or we will not be equipped to give. Often those the most in need of receiving love, are the most resistant to anything offered their way. Past experience and prior hurts have proven that love does not last, or is not worthy of trust. However, that is merely the love of mankind, and not the love of He who is love. If we can get out of the way, and be an extension of His love to those whom we encounter, perhaps people might see past the pain of prior experience, and be willing to allow His love to enter in. May we each rise up and fill the role to which we have been called as we clothe ourselves with His tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, to go forth and love others as we are so lavishly loved.

 

We’re chosen by God,

from http://www.truelyselflove.com

each called into love;

so that we’d go forth,

extend grace above.

Because of Jesus,

God’s own precious Son;

we’re amply equipped,

to do as He’s done.

Clothed in tenderness,

kind, humility;

gentle and patient,

so His love is seen.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us so that we too can love. Thank You that You don’t just ask us to do things as Your sons and daughters, but You have shown us how – through the example of Your Son. Forgive us for not embracing the love that You lavishly give, so that we could go and give likewise. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would receive all that You offer, and in turn, clothe ourselves with Your tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, so that all whom we encounter can see You in us. Show us how to love others well, so that their hearts would seek after more of You. Be glorified O God, as we receive all that You offer, so that we can go forth and give love as we are loved. Amen.

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

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. – Galatians 5:22-23

Thankful for Life Illustrations

Everyday there are real life examples of scripture being played out. Last evening, was no exception. I am so thankful that God uses the everyday, ordinary things, to show us the truth of His word in action.

 

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. – (1 Peter 3:8, NLT)

 

This morning, as I woke, the memory of last evening’s family outing put a huge grin on my face. The joy in remembering the transformation in my son from how he began to how he finished, was phenomenal. After enjoying our Thanksgiving meal and relaxing for a while, my sister, brother-in-law, mom and myself, were wondering how to get the four boys out and at least a little bit active, after a day of some serious screen time. My sister came up with the brilliant idea of bowling. None of us have done much, so the potential for entertainment was terrific.

When we arrived at the bowling alley and began, Adventurous was not a stellar bowler from the start. He threw several gutter balls, and was becoming a bit frustrated, especially when his youngest cousin was dominating the game. Each of us continued to offer kind words of encouragement, and I reminded him that what mattered most for the evening, was that we were together, and that we were having fun. Something remarkable began to happen as the evening unfolded. Though he had the lowest score in the first game, he began to encourage those around him, and as he did, he began doing better too. By our final game, Adventurous actually beat all of the other kids, and most of the adults!  His kindness and humility had helped him persevere, and he was both amazed and pleased with the result. I don’t think any of us stopped smiling when we realized that Adventurous was going to win the final round. We all sympathized with his initial frustration, and all love him and wanted to see him feel good about his experience. Let us remember to have the mind of Christ so that we may sympathize with each other, love one another as brothers and sisters, be tenderhearted, and stay humble in all things.

 

Let’s be of one mind,

established in Christ;

where we sympathize,

and choose to be nice.

Let’s love each other,

as we’re called to do;

like our own siblings,

may grace see us through.

Be tenderhearted,

in humility;

let love freely flow,

to all whom we meet.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sympathize with us. Thank You that You love us and are tenderhearted toward us. Forgive us for our lack of humility, sympathy or love towards one another. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would be of one mind with You, operating in Your love, grace and humility towards all whom we encounter. Lead us to love well, so that those whom we meet may come to know Your grace through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we love each other as sisters and brothers, sympathize with each other, are tenderhearted and humble, and like-minded with You.  Amen.

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

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. – 2 Corinthians 1:3