Categories

, , ,

A Gritty Story

crop barefooted person walking on sandy beach

“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in Him.” 

1 John 4:15-16 (ESV)

Abiding love. It’s God’s story. It’s the Christian’s story. It’s a gritty story.

Have you noticed that most of us post happy photos and thoughts about ourselves on social media? We try to paint ourselves as extraordinarily beautiful, successful, and happy. The world’s hopes and dreams, and the world’s values.

Do we talk about who we are in God on social media? 

God lives in those who openly acknowledge that Jesus is God’s Son. 

God is love … Are we abiding in His love? 

Abiding in love. The word “abide” means to continue, to last, to endure. The word “agape” refers to divine love, a love that gives itself away. When we abide in love, we continually give ourselves away.

Jesus is our example. His love led Him to the cross. Stephen’s story led him to a stoning. Paul’s story led him to beatings and prisons. Our stories lead us to trials.

In this world.

But for the joy that was set before Jesus … but for the joy that was set before Stephen and Paul … but for the joy that was set before you and me. Jesus endured the cross. Stephen and Paul endured. You and I endure. The story is not over.

We abide in the love of God. One day, we will see Jesus face-to-face. But for the joy set before us, we endure. Our home is not here. Our home is eternity with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We abide in love.

Abiding love. That’s God’s story, and it’s our story. It’s a gritty love.

Love never gives up. Love never fails. Love is eternal life with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. 

God is love … God abides in Jesus … God abides in us …
We abide in love.

Oh God, Your lovingkindness endures forever. Our love is imperfect. It’s like a baby’s cry for milk. But Your love nourishes for eternity. Your love abides in Your children. Grow our love more like Your love, a love that nourishes others and brings glory to You. Amen. 

What’s your story?

2 responses to “A Gritty Story”

    • Thank you for all the reblogs in 2022. May 2023 bring you many opportunities, blessings, and much love. Karen

      Reply

Please Share Your Ideas

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

←
→
Father, You are love, and You have given us so many gifts, but the greatest of these is Your love. Your love is patient and kind. May we reflect Your patience and kindness. Your love isn't focused on Yourself but on others. May we abandon our self-centered focus and rejoice with Your truth. Jesus, You bore all things. You bore our sins on the cross so that we could live with You forever. Holy Spirit, empower us to bear all things, for we believe that You are transforming us. We hope in our God Almighty, and that enables us to endure all things. Your love never ends. Thank You, Father. Amen. Father, we rejoice in where You have placed us this day. Help us to see You in all that we do and in all that we encounter. We know that You have us in Your hand, and You are working Your perfect will in us. May we bless You and all those we see today. Thank You that Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory. Forever. In Jesus' name, amen. Are you anxious? Troubled? Fearful? Want peace even in the midst of the storms in your life? Call out to God. He is near, and He loves you. “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.” (Matthew 6:28-29) Our spiritual worship starts with surrender to God. If God is for you, who can be against you? Who will charge you? Who condemns you? Who will separate you from Christ's love? God loved you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to pay the price for your sins, so that you could live forever basking in His love. “O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; May you bask in God's blessings and rest in His peace.

%d bloggers like this: