The Call to Love

God, forgive us for when we have not done our best or have failed to treat our neighbors well. Please continue to guide our footsteps in your word

the unfolding of Your [glorious] words give light; Their unfolding gives understanding to the simple (childlike). (Psalm 119:130) When that which is complete and perfect comes, that which is incomplete and partial will pass away. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. Now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love.

(1 Corinthians 13:10-11,13) No one can lay a foundation other than the one which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11) Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the [chief] Cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together, and it continues [to increase] growing into a holy temple in the Lord [a sanctuary dedicated, set apart, and sacred to the presence of the Lord]. In Him [and in fellowship with one another] you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:20-22) This is the foundation of a life lived in accordance with God's will; which guides our thoughts and actions towards both God and our neighbors. Jesus replied to him, “‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].’ The whole Law and the [writings of the] Prophets depend on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40) This kind of love involves not just emotion, but also a deep commitment of one's entire being; heart, mind, and soul. Body, mind and soul; mentally, emotionally and spiritually connected. Guide my footsteps in [the way of] Your word; Do not let any human weakness (sin) have power over me [causing me to be separated from You]. (Psalm 119:133) The fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage--our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit]. (Galatians 5:22-24,25) Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others]. (1 Peter 4:8) Love especially the kind that mirrors Jesus love, is willing to forgive and not hold grudges or hold on to the wrong that have been done; seeking to restore relationships rather than dwell on past wrongs. Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening]. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) By extending the same grace and forgiveness we have received from God to others; forgiveness frees us from anger, bitterness, and self-righteousness, allowing the Lord to replace those feelings with compassion, love, and self-sacrifice. So as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper]; bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive. Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others]. Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]. Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind--permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:12-17)