And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor. 13:13
When I thought I couldn’t see any more division in the church – last week hit. Unfortunately, it has once again, set many against each another.
1 Corinthians 13:13 teaches us no matter what happens, faith, hope and love remain. What is it saying?
It is saying, now, in this time, regardless of what we see…STAY IN FAITH…CONTINUE TO HOPE…and REMEMBER, WALKING IN LOVE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL.
Abide in love at all times.
To abide means to continue in, to dwell in, remain in and stand firm in. Now more than ever we must remain in hope and faith. Faith in what God has said. Hope, knowing He does not lie and if He said it, He will bring it to pass.
And love. More than anything, we must walk and dwell in love. The God kind of love. Not tolerating people, but truly loving them from our heart, just like God loves us.
Love and anger can’t go exist for long. One carries life, the other death. Pride, as we know, goes before a fall – most anger comes from the root of pride (the need to be right). We can choose to walk in love or dwell in anger.
Anger never produces good fruit. James 1:20 says, “for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
It should be our desire to shine as the righteousness of God, especially when the world looks the darkest. This is one of those times.
In trying times, we should be the light of the world, as the Word says we are. Are you being that light today?
Don’t allow people who want to argue to draw you in – stay rooted in God and His word and remain in love. If you can’t say anything else, simply said, “God is good, praise the Lord.”
If we remain in God, we can’t help but remain in love – for God is love.
So, how do we do that?
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm. Psalm 37:7-8
This has been an entire year or keeping our eyes on God – I realize I have said this over and over again. That’s because I want you to remain encouraged. I want you at peace. I desire you to walk in God’s truth at all times. His truth is peace. It is love. It is hope. And it is patience.
I have had a few suddenlies in my life – but they are not the norm. My life with God has been a life of walking things out. A life of process. But He has never failed me. And He will not fail you either.
Stay away from anger. It will produce no good fruit. Instead, shine. Arise and shine, knowing God’s light is shining in you today. Be the light the world needs to see.
Remember…these remain – faith – hope and LOVE.
Meditate on this:
Do everything in love. 1 Cor. 16:14
