Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be
done with love.
~ 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
It's important as christians that we stand fast in the faith given to us, that
we be brave and strong, and that we watch. We can expect trials and
tribulations, we can expect to be attacked, but we know that God is with us.
And if God is with us, who can be against us? His word says that no weapon
formed against us shall prosper and that all those who rise up against us will
fall, and we can count on that!
The other thing to remember is to do everything with love. When we meet
someone, we let God's love for them flow through us. When we are angry with
someone, we let love take control, and we treat them with respect, even when
we disagree with them. We don't try to attack them, undermine them, ruin
their credibility, or destroy their self-worth. Any criticism or correction
is to be offered in love, or not at all. That doesn't mean that what we say
to that person won't hurt, but when we've sought God first, then our words,
given with love, are in His will. Proverbs 27:6 says, 'Faithful are the
wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.'
Let love be your guiding force today. Lay aside pettiness and anger, take
hold of God's hand, and offer to others the love He gives you so freely. This
world is so full of anger, hurt, backstabbing, pride and gossip, and people
are in such need of God's love and grace. How can we not give it to them?
Watch. Stand firm. Be brave. Be strong. And let all that you do be done
with love. After all, God is love and we all need it!
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
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