For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. – (1 John 3:11, NIV)
The central truth – the one you have heard from the beginning of your faith – is that we must love one another. – (1 John 3:11, VOICE)
The beautiful message you’ve heard right from the start is that we should walk in self-sacrificing love toward one another. – (1 John 3:11, TPT)
Our charge, always, is to love one another. Love makes itself known in a myriad of ways, yet a common thread in all is that love is “otherly”. It sees the needs of others first, and gives without worrying about what is received in return. I am beyond blessed to receive such love from family, friends and colleagues. Currently, my husband and I are on a Valentine’s Escape weekend in San Francisco. It was my joy to plan our escape with him knowing nothing of where we were headed. He worked eleven days straight, prior to our departure, as his job requires him to keep all city vehicles running and in good repair. The demands of his skill set grew exponentially as our entire state attempted to keep roads drivable with the triple hit of heavy snowfall. Yesterday, the first day of our getaway, was at long last an opportunity for rest. We were able to balance exploring with relaxing, and last night, both of us slept more than eight full hours. All this to say, he woke up and began making breakfast for both of us. Despite his exhaustion and this vacation being meant as a break for him, he continues to choose to love and serve, rather than sit back. Love works hard and chooses to act on behalf of others, even when rest is desired. May we ever seek to love and serve as Christ has done for us, so that our words and deeds make His love evident to all.
To love is a choice,
My love and dear cousins who drove into the city to visit while we are in town. ❤
We all have to make;
To freely choose give,
Instead of just take.
Love chooses to see,
The needs of others;
Reach out and give grace,
One to another.
May we persevere,
And give love away;
For that is how peace,
Comes in hearts to stay.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love. Thank You for the incredible examples of people who love well that You have placed in my life. Forgive us for the times that we have not chosen love as our first response. Teach us to turn to You in trust, to lead and guide us in how we are meant to love like You. Show us how to love those around us in practical ways that clearly communicate a love like Yours. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to love others as You have loved us. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. – Psalm 103:8
Revelations In Writing 