WALK IN LOVE

[19]

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Ephesians

 Read Ephesians 5

     Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.    Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV

* * *

     In this letter, Paul encourages the members of the Ephesian church to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (4:32)
     He goes on to warn of the false teachers who were saying that it doesn’t matter how we live now that we are Christians. He urges them, “for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (5:8-11)

     “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs,” he writes, “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (5:19-20)

* * *

     Lord, I am so thankful for Your kindness and compassion towards us. Help me to forgive others just as I have been forgiven. Help us to be faithful today to carry the light of your gospel to those who do not know you and encouragement in God's Word to those who do.

* * *

     Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.    Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Corinthians

[13]

THE GREATEST IS LOVE

Read 1 Corinthians 13

     If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.    1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV

* * *

     After a discussion in chapter 12 about the various spiritual gifts, and a call for unity in exercising those gifts, Paul says, “…But eagerly desire the greater gifts. (those that edify and build up the body) And now I will show you the most excellent way...” (12:31)

     No matter what gift or talent God has bestowed upon you, it is worth nothing if not exercised in love ─ and this, writes Paul, is what love looks like:   
    "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (13:4-7)

* * *

     Lord, this is a tall order for anyone, but absolutely necessary in our relationships with other believers. Obviously, those early churches had to struggle with their issues just as we do today. Love certainly requires forgiveness and humility. Help me to "keep no record of wrongs."

* * *

     "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."    1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

TREASURE OF THE HEART

[85]

RECKLESS WORDS

Read Proverbs Chapters 12–13

      From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.     Proverbs 12:14 NIV

* * *

      Whether they are uplifting or demeaning, words affect the quality of our lives. Solomon wrote, "A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult." (12:16) An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. (12:25)
     Words matter because they reflect the condition of our hearts– Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.”
(Matthew 12:34b-35 NKJV)

* * *

      Lord, I pray that You will help me to guard my lips for You have said, "He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." (Proverbs 13:3) I know that the example I set before my children will profoundly affect their attitudes. Help me to be diligent in teaching them that words matter, and that there is great satisfaction in being a kind, encouraging person.

* * *

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 NIV