Kind and Compassionate: Ephesians 4:31

31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice ³²Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31-32(NIV)

Paul is writing from prison; he is extolling the Ephesians to live the way God’s people should live.

4 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.
Ephesians 4:4

He explains how to thrive in the power and grace of Christ rather than stumbling in sinful actions. Instead of holding on to bitterness, rage, anger, slander, and quarreling; embrace kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Be forgiving like Christ God forgives you; live as children of light.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, quarreling, and slander be put away from you, along with all hatred.
Ephesians 4:31 (ISV)

When kindness, compassion, and forgiveness; are embraced, bitterness is replaced with love and care for each other. As Jesus said, the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself.

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV)

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Forgiveness encourages compassion and kindness and brings peace. Are you able to let go of anger and rage and forgive?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father teach us to let go of anger and bitterness; and forgive. Teach us to be kind and compassionate, tender-hearted with a Christ-like attitude of love. Like the begonias and chrysanthemums in the photo grow together and thrive, let us learn to forgive and love one another and thrive. In Jesus’ holy loving name. Amen

Freedom: Galatians 5:13

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13 (NET)

In the United States of America, today is Independence Day, causing me to think about freedom. Freedom through Christ. How are we free? By following the teachings of Jesus and by being His disciple; by believing in Him, and walking in obedience. We obtained freedom by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Through our faith in Christ, we live in freedom, freedom from the slavery of sin; our sins are forgiven. We belong to God; we are His chosen.

In freedom, we are allowed to make choices. Choices we will be held accountable for. Our freedom is not to be used as an excuse to indulge ourselves, but instead to serve one another in love.
As the Message bible version of Galatians 5:14 states: “For everything, we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom.”

^13-14It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom.
Galatians 5:13-14 (MSG)

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By God’s grace, we have freedom. Is your freedom as a Christian focused on self-satisfaction or on serving others in love?

Prayer; Lord Jesus, we thank you for setting us free from slavery to sin. We thank You for the freedom you have granted us through Your grace. Guide us to use this freedom to be more like You in our actions. As the Gomphrena, Fireworks pink blossoms with tiny yellow flowers spread outward in all directions; let us spread Your love outward to others, in all directions. Amen

Keep Alert: 1Corinthians16:13-14

13 Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NRSV)

Paul is informing the Corinthians that it is vital to keep alert and be vigilant against all evil. To cling to Christian convictions and trust the Lord’s direction. To be strong and courageous and stand firm in the faith, realizing that Jesus is our rock, our salvation our firm foundation.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV)

Paul continues after the four instructions; to keep alert, stand firm, be courageous, be strong, and adds a final instruction “Let all that you do, be done in love.” Highlighting that our thoughts, words, and actions are to be done in love.
We need to keep alert, watch for and avoid evil, and let love be our guide when dealing with one another.

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (NLT)
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Paul gives five instructions in 1Corinthians 16:13-14; keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be strong, be courageous, and let all you do be done in love. Do you try to follow these instructions?

Prayer; Lord Jesus, You are our rock and our redeemer. Teach us to keep alert, avoid evil, and grow in faith. Guide us to stand firm, be courageous, strong, and grounded in Your Word. Help us keep our thoughts, words, and actions centered in love. Like the allium flowers are centered together, reaching out in all directions, let us be centered in Your love and reach out, spreading love in all our actions. Amen

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God is love: 1 John 4:7-8

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4: 7-8 (NIV)

Love comes from God; it flows from His heart to us. Since God is love, when we accept Him, we grow in love. Knowing God teaches us to love. You can’t know God if you don’t love. God loved the world so much that he gave us Jesus.

We love because he first loved us. God so loved the world He gave us Jesus.
John 4-19

God gave us His one and only Son; so that we could have eternal life.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Jesus loves us like God the Father loved Him.

Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you;
John 15:9a

Jesus came to save the lost, to heal the sick, to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.(Mark 10:45)

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Luke 19:10 (NIV)

On the night He was betrayed, Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
John 13:34

For God is love. 💖

Are you recognized as a Christian by your love?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for Your love. Help us to be better Christians, to grow in Your love. Teach us to love one another as you have loved us. Like the blossoming, open flower of the peony, let us blossom in Your love and be open to Jesus’ commandment to love one another. Amen

Treasures: Matthew 6:19-21

19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Matthew 6:19-21 NLT

In these verses, Jesus is explaining to His followers how to live and act. Our life should not revolve around earthly treasures, which are easily lost or destroyed. Instead, we should store our treasures in heaven by living the way God asks us to live, by loving our neighbor as ourselves, guarding against evil, helping the less fortunate, and loving the Lord with all our hearts.

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
Matthew 22:37b

Where is your treasure? Is it on worldly success and building wealth?

If so, that’s where the desire of your heart is; what your heart is focused on.
If our focus is on heavenly rewards, our hearts are focused on honoring God; and enjoying that treasure forever.

Prayer; Lord Jesus, teach us to store our treasures in heaven. Help us to embrace the correct priorities in life. Encourage us to love God with all our hearts, and help us to love others as You have loved us. Like orchid blossoms are beautiful to behold, let our treasures be beautiful to God. Amen

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Love Deeply: 1 Peter 4:8

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1Peter 4:8 (NIV)

In this verse, Peter acknowledges that we are not perfect; we make mistakes and fail to obey. The redemptive love of Jesus covers our sins. When dealing with one another, we need to exhibit this Christ-like love. We need to forgive each other, overlook past difficulties, strengthen each other, and learn to love each other deeply. Peter is requesting that we make love a priority, for love covers a multitude of sins. It is important Christians show deep love, forgiving as Christ does.

8Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. 10God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another
1 Peter 4:8-10 (NLT)

Do you love deeply, sharing the love of Jesus in your daily interactions?

Prayer; Jesus, we thank You for Your forgiveness and love. Teach us to embrace Your love and share it in our daily activities. Help us to love deeply and forgive graciously. Guide us in Your truth and light. Like the Passion Flower’s name emanates from Jesus’ crucifixion, let our love emanate from the love and forgiveness of Jesus. Amen.

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To Serve: Mark 10:45

42 Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions use their authority over them. 43 But it is not this way among you. Instead whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, 44and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10: 42-45 (NET)

In Mark 10:37, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, brothers, and disciples, requested, to Jesus; “Permit one of us to sit at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory.” This request caused the other ten disciples to become angry at this grab for power and authority (Mark 10:41). Jesus responded to His disciples. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” All power is entrusted to Jesus, the Son of Man, yet he acted as a servant, as an example, His kneeling to wash His disciple’s feet. Jesus’ teaching and His way of life illustrated the difference between worldly and spiritual greatness. He taught that the path of greatness was achieved through humility and by learning to be a servant thereby glorifying God. Jesus’ final act of service was when He gave his life as a ransom for many.

This verse is also found in Mathew:

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28 (NET)

How do you measure greatness? Do you feel to serve others is a worthy goal?

Monarch caterpillars feeding on a butterfly bush

Prayer; Jesus we thank you for your healings, guidance, and love for us. Teach us to be humble, and to help others by being Your hands and feet. Encourage us to seek spiritual goodness rather than worldly gain. Like the butterfly weed provides a host plant for monarch caterpillars and nectar for butterflies; teach us to help and to serve others. Amen

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Love and Faithfulness: Proverbs 3:3-4

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
Proverbs 3:3-4 (NIV)

Solomon is sharing his thoughts on the value of obedience, love, and faithfulness. The (NIV) version of Proverbs 3:3 says, Let love and faithfulness never leave you; other versions say to let; loyalty and kindness, mercy and truth, loyalty and faithfulness, kindness and truth, never leave you. The underlining theme is love and trust wholeheartedly in the Lord always. Binding these loving actions around your neck (keep them close to you), and write them in your heart. A believer is to be continually loyal to God; faithful in following God’s ways. Also, believers need to show mercy and truth to others; always. Then you will find favor with God and gain the respect of people. We should still follow Solomon’s advice by embracing love and faithfulness and binding them to our hearts.

As Christians, we need to focus on letting love and faithfulness guide us in our daily lives. Where are love, faithfulness, and kindness missing in your life?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for your mercy and grace. Guide us in Your Word and truth. Help us to embrace love and faithfulness and to write them on our hearts. Teach us to treat each other with kindness, mercy, and love. Like the bright flowers of the butterfly weed seem to be reaching outward, let us glow brightly with Your truth and reach out to others with love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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Harmony and Peace: 2Corinthians 13:11

Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
2 Corinthians 13:11 (NLT)

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, where they were struggling to keep a Christian lifestyle. Many of the believers were being swayed by the city’s immorality, idolatry, and false teachers. Paul is seeking for them to mend their ways and restore their unity of purpose. He encourages them to be joyful, to grow in maturity. To repair their relationships so they could work together and encourage one another. To be of one mind, with shared values; to become complete, restored, work in harmony, and live in peace. Traits church people are still in need of today. For God’s love and peace surround those who work in unity for His good.

In today’s world, we are bombarded with bickering, name-calling, and disagreement daily. Are you encouraging harmony and peace in your church/community?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, you are a God of love and peace. We thank you for your compassion and grace to us. Teach us to mend our ways and live in unity, harmony, and peace. Keep us strong, in Your way, unswayed by false teaching and immorality. Guide us in your truth and light. Like the Echinacea flower’s beauty is enhanced when grouped together; let our life be enhanced with harmony and peace when we go forward in unity. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen

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Perfect Love: 1 John 4:12

12 No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us – perfect love!
1 John 4:12 (MSG)

We haven’t seen God’s image physically, but it was displayed in Jesus’ life. God, through the Holy Spirit, dwells within the hearts of His people. When we abide in Him, He transforms us until His love becomes complete in us; and we move away from worldly action becoming, more Christ-like. We are transformed and act with love and compassion; His love completes us – perfect love! Let us be recognized as Christians by our love.

No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God resides in us, and his love is perfected in us.
1 John 4:12 (NET)

Do others see God in you, by your love? Are you striving to be more Christ-like and perfected in love?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we might not see you, but we feel your presence and are comforted by You. Thank You for Your love and compassion for us. Lord, teach us to be open-hearted and abide in You. Guide us to learn from and submit to the Holy Spirit to live in truth, so Your love becomes complete in us. Like violets are recognized by their delicate purple flowers, let us be recognized through our Christ-like actions and perfected love for one another.

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