Love and Truth – 1 Corinthians 13:6

6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. – 1Corinthians 13:6 (NIV)

Love does not delight in evil; instead, it encourages and supports, reflecting God’s selfless love. It is active, supportive, and rejoices in what is right and good. Love does not take pleasure in wrongdoing or tolerate injustice; rather, it advocates for moral integrity. To align with God’s righteousness, our love needs to actively seek what is genuine, good, and righteous.

Jesus replied, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. – John 14:6 (NET)

Love rejoices in truth: the truth derived from following Jesus and modeling His ways. In this verse Paul encourages the Corinthians to look at their actions. Are they seeking what is good, the truth, and acting with honesty?

Are we reflecting Jesus’ heart in all we do? For love is not just an emotion; it is a commitment to righteousness. For truthful love brings unity, trust, and spiritual growth in us, our churches, and our community.

4 Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head,
5 Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
6 Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
7 Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. – 1Corinthians 13:4-7 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, help us to grow in righteousness and love. Guide us to embrace a love that rejoices in what is right and delights in truth. A love that reflects Your goodness, a love that is selfless, and pursues justice. Like the roses, gathered together bringing beauty to our days, let us gather together sharing the beauty of Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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Actions and in Truth – 1 John 3:18

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth
1 John 3:18 (NIV)

John says in this verse that to love with words is not enough; that love requires meaningful actions. We are to love in action and in truth. We don’t need to serve others to be saved; through God’s grace, we are saved.

We serve others because we are saved; Jesus died for our sins. We should serve others through loving actions like Jesus. We can love with words but need to show love through our actions.

Actions and truth go side by side. The truth is what we believe as Christians, and what we believe should be demonstrated by our actions.

18 My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality.
1 John 3:18 (MSG)

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Is your love shown by action and in truth?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love, mercy and grace. Guide us and help us to grow more like Jesus. Teach us to exhibit actions that show Your truth and light. Like the bright and open flowers of the potentilla, let us open our hearts to love and brighten other people’s lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Happy Easter, my friends!

Empowered: 2 Timothy1:7

For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NET)

Paul is writing his friend and protégé Timothy. In this encouraging letter, he reminds Timothy that the Holy Spirit empowers and directs him. Power for our life comes when we rely on Christ, who strengthens us when we are weak. This power gives us energy, courage, a spirit of love, and the ability to make sound judgments. God has given us the Spirit of love which, carries us through opposition. Strength in God’s Spirit of power and His guidance for self-control. Faith in God empowers and casts out fear.

Are you empowered; do you rely on the power of God to cast away your fear?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for your love and care. Teach us to seek your direction, rest in Your strength, and rely on Your power. Lord empower us, strengthen us when we are weak. Let us embrace your Spirit of power, love, and self-control. Like the three camellia blossoms are open and closely gathered on the branch, let us have open hearts, closely gathered to the Holy Trinity. In Jesus’ Holy name. Amen

I believe in the power of prayer and would be glad to pray for you.

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Overcome Evil: Romans 12:21

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21 (NIV)

The bible is full of quotes about loving one another. Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39). When it seems evil is winning, we often become frustrated, angry, and want revenge. May the Lord’s love and mercy give us strength during times of unrest. Lord open our hearts and help us to overcome evil with good. Teach us to work together to strive for the good of all mankind, to spread love, and overcome evil.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

To overcome evil we need to respond with love. Where can you be a good neighbor and spread love today?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, where there is hatred, let us spread love. Help us to love one another and overcome evil with good works. Let your light shine upon us and drive out the darkness. As the bright peony blossoms soften and enhance a concrete path, teach us to soften our hearts and follow your path by sharing Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

Pure in Heart: Matthew 5:8

⁸“Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.
Matthew 5:8 (AMP)

The heart is considered a symbol of love, but often the heart values may be corrupt. Jesus said that about the Pharisees, they projected outward purity, but their hearts and thoughts were not pure. To be pure in heart, we need to obey the Lord’s rules, to follow His will, and to live a life pleasing to God. Then we will see Him and be with Him in eternity.

Are you pure in heart, or is your heart focused instead on earthly material objects?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, forgive us for our hearts are often not pure, and our values and motives not godly. We ask you to help us to focus on living a life that is pleasing to You. Lord teach us to be pure in heart. Like the bleeding heart flowers open and expand as they bloom, teach us to open our hearts to You and expand in love toward one another. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen