Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. ~1 Corinthians 16:13
When Paul wrote this passage in his letter to the church in Corinth, he wanted to remind them that they were followers of Jesus Christ. They had been fighting and arguing about whose spiritual gifts were better, who had more money and who were the most powerful Christians.
Paul was determined to convince them that love conquers all, despite all of the bickering and turmoil. Love was his everlasting message to them.
All across America, people are memorializing those who lost their lives by serving in the armed forces for our country. These brave souls gave their lives to protect our freedoms and way of life against the enemy.
It’s a sad day, but most choose to celebrate our freedoms by spending time with family or friends in a joyful occasion. Others choose to spend time at the gravesites of those they lost.
I choose to believe that those who fought and fight for our country, do so out of love. When someone chooses to risk their life for the sake of others, it’s the greatest gift to give. Jesus even said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).
Love is hard.
It’s hard to stick to ones faith and belief system in times like these. We must be determined to stand firm against evil, just as the church of Corinth and today. Evil comes in many forms as distractions against God.
We have leaders in this world, who stand for things of this world. They hide behind the Bible as ways of support, but God is not pleased. Love is not behind their agendas and the world is divided.
In these last days, Christians have to cling to the word of God. Standing firm in truth is the only way!
I’m reminded of the song, “What the world needs now is love sweet love. It’s the only thing that there’s much too little of.” Simple but powerful…
It’s hard to love others, however Christian believers are held to a higher standard of love. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34).
Jesus knew that loving people in their sinful states is hard. It’s easy to love others who look like you, are nice to you and treat you well. But to love strangers, your enemies or those who mean you harm is next to impossible.
Even loving other believers is challenging. Let’s not forget that we are human with sinful tendencies. Whoo Hoo! Thank God the Holy Spirit takes over!
Ah yes, God’s spirit…
Let’s be real here. Thank you Jesus that we have your spirit! I believe that we are only able to fully love one another because of Gods spirit. Once we accept Christ into our lives, his spirit dwells inside of us. I know that’s the only way that we can truly love each other unconditionally.
“Yea right, you say. We are not perfect and have to deal with the hateful, sinful ways of the world.” Amen my brother and sister! We are not perfect, but our perfect God lives inside of us. He promises to be there for us, reminding us to love when we want to hate!
But how can you love someone who murders a friend or family member? How can you love someone who sexually violates or rapes you? Can you love someone who physically or mentally abuses you? How can you truly love ANYONE who doesn’t love you back? Guess what? YOU CAN’T DO IT!
But God can.
We serve a God that can and will do anything for his children. If he asks us to love one another as we love ourselves, I know it’s the Gospel. Sadly, some people don’t have the self-love or esteem needed to truly love themselves and ultimately end their lives. But I also know that human beings have a Godly self-preservation gut inside that clings to life until He calls us home.
Let’s face it, we all want to be treated well and loved. Love is the driving force behind everything we do and say. However, God’s death on the cross and resurrection was the only way that true love could be accomplished. I’m so glad He did!
My prayer for you…. Lord Thank You that you loved us enough to die on the cross for our sins. Thank you more that you didn’t stay there, but arose to sit on the right hand of God the Father. I pray for all of those who are reading this to know that they are loved by you Lord. If they’ve never experienced true, unconditional love before, I pray that they find it now with you!
Help them to stand firm and strong in their faith. Help them to fight against evil and take a stand against sin today. Let them know that you are always there to help fight their battles. Help them to love and not hate their neighbor. Allow them to be of service and support for one another. Be with those who have lost loved ones or friends in our armed forces. Hold them up in your loving arms!
And if there’s someone who doesn’t know you as their Lord and Savior, I pray that the Holy Spirit will lead them to you! In Jesus Name, Amen
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