Liv
Extracts of Truth & Encouragement from a Growth Journey with God
Love: the Key Ingredient
Physical connection…That’s what some people believe strong love is. There are parts of this that are true…making time and making effort produces strong love, but a key element is missing from this equation. If this element is absent, love becomes whatever you want it to be…all the while, it’s not really love at all.
Last post, we concentrated on the Truth that “…GOD is love” (1 John 4:8) and that the Greek word for “love” in this verse is the exact same word that’s used in 1 Corinthians 13:1– “agapé.” GOD is the missing piece to the equation above!! When we read about love in both of these verses, we’re really reading about GOD–and what HE prefers, which is what “agapé” (love) means. If God is missing from someone’s definition of love, according to the truths of God’s Word, it’s not true love.
Today, we’re going to dive into the next verses of 1 Corinthians 13, Verses 4-6. In these verses, we see what love is and what it isn’t. Again, please don’t ditch this post, because you’ve read and studied these verses so many times!! God’s directed me to dig into these verses, and my prayer is that something new stands out to you, as it has to me. Hang with me!
The word for love in Verse 4 is agapaó. You can, obviously, see it’s related to agapé, yet there’s a big difference between the two words. Agapé is a noun that identifies Who God IS. Agapaó is a verb, which requires action; it’s embodying what God prefers and obeying it…living it out, practicing it. God enables us to do these things through the power of His Spirit.
Agapao is a verb, which requires action; it’s embodying what God prefers and obeying it…living it out, practicing it. God enables us to do these things through the power of His Spirit.
Let’s sit with this Truth for a minute…These things listed in 1 Corinthians 13–what we should and shouldn’t do–aren’t things we can do by ourselves or in our own strength; they’re, also, not things we can keep from doing without the power of His Spirit, assisting us! Galatians 5:22 uses the word “agapé” and makes it clear that love is a product of partnering, cooperating with the Spirit of God. This makes sense, since it’s Who He Is! Love is produced when we comply with what God prefers, and He, in turn, enables us, through His Spirit to actively do it. So, with that, let’s see what He prefers and what He’ll give us the power to do, if we readily cooperate with Him.
- Be slow to retaliate in expressions of anger, driven by passion (i.e., patience controlled by God). The Greek word used in 1 Corinthians 13:4 for this is makrothumeó, which is the verbal form of the noun, makrothumia, found in Galatians 5:22. In Galatians, we see this listed in the character traits of God, which His Spirit produces in us with our cooperation (aka fruits of the Spirit). The active form of this character is intensely and passionately acting against sin, but not sinning in the process. It’s displaying patience when others offend or hurt you, being unhurried at “getting back at them.” I, personally, have had a hard time with this one in my life and have desperately walked step after step toward Him, learning to cooperate more with Him, wanting this part of my life to change. I’ve seen His good work in me first-hand! I do take steps back now and then, but He is faithful to continue this journey with me and give me this ability, when I cooperate!
- Compassionately serve others in a useful, productive way. When we think of useful and productive, we may first think of what we see (effects or end-products); however, useful and productive may also be unseen (eternal), and how we respond to someone can lead him or her toward OR away from Christ. Sometimes, serving others can mean acting kindly out of forgiveness, when someone doesn’t deserve it. Again, the Greek word for this in 1 Corinthians 13:4 is related to the word used in Galatians 5:22; they both come from the Greek word chréstos, and the one in 1 Corinthians is the verbal (active) form of what is found in Galatians 5. Again, we see that God is wanting us to willingly and actively embody His character in our lives.
- Pinpoint and name God’s blessings in our lives as truth and share them with others, so we can, together, rejoice in freely receiving God’s favor.
Does this come easily to you, or is it hard?
If it’s hard, do you make a point to sit with Him in quiet and think about what He’s done for you that day or given you? Are you making a point to call His blessings what they are–truly from Him, or are you blowing them off as “happenstances?”
If it’s easy and you do it often, are you sharing God’s blessings in your life with others? Do you find that they’re excited with you, or not? If not, how does that make you feel? Does it make you want to continue to share those things with others? If someone shares God’s blessings, that they’ve experienced in their lives, with you, are you getting excited and celebrating God with them?
No matter how others respond, we’re responsible for us. That’s hard! We can’t use them as an excuse for opposing God in our actions. (Duly noted!) We need to focus our hearts and minds on Who God is–true love–and willingly, actively cooperate with Him, letting Him show Himself to others through us, as He enables us to look more and more like Him.
We’ll pick up in Verse 7 in the next post, continuing on with what love IS. Until then, would you share a true blessing from God in your life? I want to celebrate Him and what He’s doing in your life with you!
“Love each other as I have loved you. This is what I’m commanding you to do.”
~ Jesus, John 15:12 GWT
What’s Love Got to Do with Me?
“I LOVE that sweater!”
“Look how soft this blanket is! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!”
“How ya doin’, LOVE?”
Love…We throw that word around pretty casually, don’t we? My hubby and I just celebrated our wedding anniversary this week. It still amazes me how someone can love me SO much…I mean, truly love, like he does!
Many throw “love” around readily, but do they…do we…really understand what love is? If we do, do we live it out?
To understand love, we have to understand God and what He has to say about it, because He IS love! He’s been directing me this week to dive into a well-known passage (1 Corinthians 13). Please don’t leave, if you’ve already studied it a million times before. I really believe God is going to put a nugget in here that will be new to you, personally…and possibly even challenging. We won’t get through the whole chapter in this post, but we’re going to take in a small, but meaty, chunk. Let’s go!
First John 4:8 says that “…God is love.” The Greek word for “love” in this verse is the exact same word that’s used in 1 Corinthians 13:1– “agapé.” When we read about love in both of these verses, we’re really reading about God–and what HE prefers, which is what “agapé” (love) means. Can we sit here for a minute? Too often, we can focus on what WE want, what WE think we deserve, why We are right…When we focus on WE or ME, we lose the point of love…to focus on GOD and what HE chooses. Let’s dig in to see what it is that He does prefer.
When we focus on WE or ME, we lose the point of love…to focus on GOD and what HE chooses.
Verse 1–I can praise God with my words, just as men and angels do, but if I don’t show the affection and kindness God wants me to show; if I don’t mean well; if I’m not friendly, helpful, and cooperative; I’m just makin’ a bunch of sounds that sure do sound like noise. My shouts, complaints, and loud arguing sound like war cries.
God wants my actions to back up my talk–that I’m a follower of Christ. Do they?
He wants my intentions behind my actions to be pure and to consider others. Am I really meaning well, or am I doing anything, because it’s expected…or for show?
He doesn’t want me to complain or argue. It just sounds like I’m at war with someone, rather than living in unity. How am I doing?
Verse 2–If I have the ability to hear God clarify His truth and proclaim it to others with confidence, to know all the secrets God has revealed as well as applied all the knowledge God has given me, and if I have come to trust in all that God has persuaded me is His will [I know this seems a weird way to say this, but “faith” comes from a word that means “be persuaded”]…so much so, that I could change the place of mountains (aka accomplish extremely challenging, impressive, notable, and unimaginable things), but I don’t show the affection and kindness God wants me to show; if I don’t mean well; if I’m not friendly, helpful, and cooperative; I’m nothing…At this time, I’m not the “someone” I think I am, and what I do (and do not do) now can have implications on the future.
Meaning well and being friendly, helpful, and cooperative are far greater things to God than doing something “amazing or note worthy,” according to “human standards.”
Do I put these things as a priority, as God does, or do I measure people’s worth by “achievements?”
Verse 3–If I give my crumbs to feed people, person by person, until all I have rule over has been given to feed little bits of food to others, and if I decide to hand over my whole body to be consumed with fire, but don’t mean well and am not friendly, helpful, nor cooperative, my actions have done nothing to help me!
God’s desires for the heart behind the “help” to be pure, well-meaning. What hits me is it’s not giving hoards of food to one person or feeding the poor, like it seems from a lot of translations; it’s literally giving my crumbs or what falls from my mouth to many people, one by one, until everything I have left is gone. I have the rule or freedom over what’s in my possession and what I give, but what’s the heart behind my decisions? That’s what God’s concerned about!
Is my “gift” really friendly and helpful? Am I really sacrificing for others with a heart that means well? Do I do what is helpful for them, or am I just giving and giving my left-overs to a bunch of people to check off boxes that I’ve helped so many, while not taking the time to reach their hearts or know what they really need? Am I giving my best, putting someone else first, before indulging myself; or am I giving my crumbs?
We’re going to stop there today. We’ll pick up with Verse 4 next post. I’d love to hear how God spoke to you or what was fresh and new for your heart today. Leave a comment/reply!
Eyes to See
A close friend and I were talking last week about eyes and how sensitive they are. She said that you can get dirt on your skin, and it doesn’t bother you. However, you get a speck of dirt in your eye, and it hurts and is annoying!…Isn’t this the truth? The eye is a complicated organ with many parts. It lets you know when light is present and changes the direction of light rays as they pass through different parts of the eye. It lets us take in what’s around us, while sending messages to the brain, interpreting what we see. It’s full of nerves that also send messages to the brain, warning us when a contaminant shows up that wants to affect how we see or hurt the eye itself.
Does anyone else get annoyed when your eyes are dilated at the ophthalmologist’s office?!? Feeling rather blinded and ultra sensitive to light doesn’t feel very helpful to me. Sometimes I wonder why I willingly allow them to do that to me!
According to “the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness’s Vision Atlas (a compilation of the very latest eye health data),…globally, there are 43 million people living with blindness and 295 million people living with moderate-to-severe visual impairment.”1 Over 76% of these people are living with avoidable blindness or impairment, because they have the inability to access the right help.
“As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed them. Two blind men were sitting by the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, ‘Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!’ The crowd scolded them to get them to be quiet, but they shouted even more loudly, ‘Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!’ Jesus stopped, called them, and said, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ They said to Him, ‘Lord, let our eyes be opened.’ Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed Him.”
Matthew 20:29-34 NETB
There are a number of things that stand out to me about this passage.
- This account was toward the end of Jesus’ ministry; there is a very similar one listed earlier in Matthew 9:27-31, which was toward the beginning of it. Both times, Jesus responded to the cries of the blind who had faith in Him. Both times, He opened up their eyes. From beginning to end, “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever!” (Heb. 13:8).
- No matter what Jesus was facing at the time, He took time, heard them, and responded.
- Luke 18:35-43 gives us a few more details about this encounter (though Luke’s account only talks about one of the blind men; see this article, if you want to look into that more: https://www.gotquestions.org/one-two-blind-men.html). At least one of the men was sitting by the road, asking for handouts. He was not only blind; he was poor and in need.
- As soon as the blind men found out why there was a ruckus in the streets, they acted. They apparently knew who Jesus was…I mean, who He really was–the Messiah (shown by how they addressed Him as the Son of David) and Lord (master). It didn’t matter that people were scolding them to be quiet. They knew Who He was, believed what He was capable of, and knew He was the One Who could help them.
- Their healing propelled them to move; they followed Him. They walked the same road, in the same direction.
Are you stagnant/unable to move forward? If so, are you looking for Christ and/or calling out to Him?
Do you believe in Who He is and His ability to help you?
“The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.”
Psalm 146 8 ESV
“Blind,” here, is like a film over the eyes, physically OR in a spiritual sense. It’s referring to those who are helpless or incapable; weak or disabled; friendless; or searching (either mentally or physically) with difficulty, hesitation, or uncertainty.
Do you have a need today? It doesn’t have to be physical; it could be a film over your heart, thoughts you’re struggling with, or an emotional need.
What do you want Jesus to do for you? Have you asked Him for it, like the blind men did?
Posture is extremely important to the LORD, but I’m not talking sitting or standing up straight. It has a lot to do with humility, recognizing His ability, and accepting our inability. He has compassion for and chooses to raise up those who are stretched out on the ground, with their face down before Him, as well as those bowed down in more of an arched or curved position because of anxiety; pain; or sorrow due to loss, disappointment, unfortunate circumstance, limitation, illness, physical appearance, situation/event, or embarrassment/shame.
“Love,” in this verse, means having an affection for, which can include showing physical expressions of affection. The LORD has an affection for those who are cleansed by Jesus’ blood and who turn to and do the right thing in the eyes of God; this includes not only what one does or says, but also the attitude in which it’s done/said.
My prayer is that today, each one of us: 1) recognizes that Christ is close, and we have access to Him, 2) cries out to Him in our inabilities, weakness, pain, and sorrow, 3) recognizes Who He is and HIS abilities, 4) asks for Him to open our eyes to see things clearly, and 5) won’t be content with being still, but will move toward Him, walk with Him, and follow Him!
1“GLOBAL BLINDNESS WAS SLOWING PRIOR TO PANDEMIC STUDY REVEALS.” Orbis, https://www.orbis.org/en/news/2021/new-global-blindness-data. Accessed 22 August 2021.
What are You Communicating?
I’ve been sitting with this for a couple weeks, now, and WOW! The LORD has given me a LOT to experience and observe!! In fact, one example is a statement, which was directly addressed to me! I’ve been known to tell my family and some friends, “If I’m doing that, I wanna know!” Well, someone whom I love deeply took me up on that and told me the truth in love. I did/do want to know…but it doesn’t take the sting out of being confronted with the truth that I hurt people and need to change!
Interrupting…That’s what I was called out on. Ugh!!
Years ago, I was a Technical Recruiter. My job was to find, recruit, screen, and submit the best qualified candidates for technology positions our clients had open, walk those chosen through the interview and hiring processes, and maintain contact with those who landed jobs throughout their employment. In order to execute the recruiting process as quickly as possible, I learned some not-so-great communication skills in order to get certain questions answered speedily. If someone got a bit long-winded, I learned to interject a question to efficiently lead them through the screening questions in order to see if they were right for the job. I was searching and listening for the answers I needed out of the conversation. It’s amazing how a little over three years of “listening” this way changed me for years to come! It socked me in the gut to learn that, 15 years later, I was still doing it…interjecting, finishing people’s sentences to keep things moving, and leading along the conversation to answer what I wanted or needed to hear. Sigh.
The LORD used this loving confrontation to speak to me about many voids in positive communication that we, probably, all have experienced at one point or another…and maybe even DO ourselves! Have you experienced or observed any of the following situations this week…or maybe even done a handful?
- Made it your turn to talk, because someone took a breath
- Talked over someone
- Walked into a room, talking
- Finished other people’s sentences, when they’re obviously not actively looking for a word
- Interjected your opinion before someone has had a chance to explain themselves to see where they’re coming from
- Didn’t hear what someone was saying, because you were thinking of what you’re going to say
- Missed something someone said, because you were distracted
- Said something without considering how what you said could be interpreted by or affect the one hearing
- Said something about someone you wouldn’t say, if they were standing in the room
- Spoke in a tone you’d be embarrassed about, if someone, like a neighbor, overheard
- Said you’d do something and didn’t follow through
- Made a conversation about you by sharing your story when someone finished talking, one-upping their story and not relating yours to theirs
- Engaged in some activity while someone’s talking, diverting your full attention
Different sayings related to positive communication have been spoken much, but have they been heard?…Listen first; then speak!… We have two ears and one mouth for a reason!
Someone Whom you love deeply (and Who loves YOU deeply enough to say it–God Himself) also has some things to say about communication!!
“When there are many words, transgression and offense [against individuals] are unavoidable, but he who controls his lips and keeps thoughtful silence is wise.”
Proverbs 10:19 AB
“The one who guards his mouth [thinking before he speaks] protects his life; the one who opens his lips wide [and chatters without thinking] comes to ruin.”
Proverbs 13:3 BSB
“A wise person’s heart controls his speech, and what he says helps others learn.”
Proverbs 16:23 GWT
“With his mouth, the godless man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge and discernment the righteous will be rescued.”
Proverbs 11:9 AB
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Proverbs 12:18 ESV
“A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, but harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1 AB
“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.”
Proverbs 15:2 CSB
“The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.”
Proverbs 15:28 NHEB
“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in disclosing what is on his mind.”
Proverbs 18:2 NETB
“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”
Proverbs 29:11 ESV
“Whoever gives an answer before he listens is stupid and shameful.”
Proverbs 18:13 GWT
“Do you see someone who speaks too soon? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”
Proverbs 29:20 CSB
“The words of a gossip are swallowed greedily, and they go down into a person’s innermost being.”
Proverbs 18:8 GWT
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.”
Proverbs 18:21 AB
“If a person thinks that he is religious but can’t control his tongue, he is fooling himself. That person’s religion is worthless.”
James 1:26 GWT
“But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes ‘ or ‘No, no;’ anything beyond these is of evil.”
Matthew 5:37 NASB 1995
“Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29 BSB
“Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you].”
Colossians 4:6 AB
“You know this, my dearly-loved brethren. But let every one be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to be angry.“
James 1:19 WNT
“My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.”
1 John 3:18 GNT
Is any of that a sock to your gut, too? I SO need an overhaul to my insides! Does the way you communicate need to change in any way, too?
Which verse(s) listed above hit(s) you where you are?
As you engage in conversations today, think about what you’re communicating through your words, tone, facial expressions, body language, and listening (or lack thereof):
- You’re uninterested or don’t care what the person talking to you has to say.
- You’re right; they’re wrong.
- You have more value.
- You know more.
- Someone is important to you and worth investing your time and attention.
Is the LORD stirring in your heart a verse about communication that’s not listed in this post? I’d love to hear what He’s communicating to you!
Is it Okay, if I Love My Red Pen?
I used to envy teachers. Not only did they get to write on a chalkboard or markerboard, but they got to correct papers (how naive was I?!?)! I’d see corrections in red on a paper or test and think they were beautiful…as long as they were on someone else’s paper or test!
Then came my freshman year of college. I wrote my first paper for my English class and felt pretty confident about it…until I received it back from the professor. I remember it like it was yesterday. There was red all over the first page, and the letter grade at the top (also in bright red) wasn’t anything close to what I was used to!! My heart sunk. Those red markings weren’t so beautiful on my paper! As I re-read the paper with the prof’s corrections, I began to see how the changes he made were making me and my writing better. I approached him with corrections I didn’t understand, and he explained why what I wrote wasn’t fitting. That paper gave me the opportunity to accept or reject criticism. If I accepted it as constructive, it would improve the way I wrote. If I dismissed it as he didn’t know what he was talking about with a, “Who does he think he is to touch my paper with his red pen?!?” response, I would’ve remained stagnant. I chose to accept the critiques.
Ask my parents, my kids, or my hubby! I LOVE me a red pen, even if it’s only in my head!! If I’m reading an article, a book, or a PowerPoint slide and find an error, I’m elated!! I homeschooled our kids for six years, and I relished the moments our daughter would come to me and say, “Mom!! I found a typo!!” She, too, had a discerning spirit…
Is that what I was breeding? A discerning spirit…or a critical one? I was always looking for ways to make something better or “right,” but I realized that my standard, oftentimes, was my own…the way I would do it.
Have you ever taught a child how to do a job around the house? I’d explain, as I showed them how to complete it; they’d forget or be in a hurry; I’d come back to check it when they were “done,” and things weren’t executed the way I’d shown them. I began to see how corrections could be destructive or instructive; a lot (not all) depended on the heart of the one hearing and if he or she wanted to learn. Nitpicking when they were close didn’t encourage them, and letting something go wasn’t teaching them. For me, this was a tightrope line to walk…and it still is, as I seek to bring an awareness to how they work, they’re motive for getting the job done, and Who they’re working for, while also seeing the way they’re wired and accepting their best.
Here are some verses that check my heart in these situations to see if my invisible red pen is active to instruct or destruct:
“I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV
15“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ, 16from Whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow, so that it builds itself up in love.”
Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV
“The good person, out of the good treasure of his heart, produces good, and the evil person, out of his evil treasure, produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks.”
Luke 6:45 ESV
These verses help me ask some hard questions about myself, taking the red pen to my life first. It’s not only worth assessing to grow my relationship with my kids; it’s also important for their relationship with work and others! Needless to say, I need to ask these questions when it comes to my interactions with others, as well!
- Is my heart prideful? If yes, am I demonstrating that in my words and facial expressions?
- Am I possessing an attitude that is focused on the goal of the task or conversation OR the task or word(s) spoken itself?
- Am I fully applying myself in guarding unity (joining together, rather than separating) by allowing God’s Spirit to move me?
- Are my expectations set on God’s standard or mine?
- Do I take into consideration how God made the other individual involved?
- Are my responses good or evil? What does that tell me about where I place the value of things in my heart?
Thank you, Lord, for continuing to pursue what You have for me, making the corrections in me that You see need to be made (’cause there are many)! Thank you for the love and patience with which You instruct me! Please keep reminding me of these questions, so I can demonstrate Your heart better to anyone I come in contact with! Amen.
Awe and Wonder
When our puppy was younger, I seized opportunities to star gaze, at times, when I’d let him out in the middle of the night. I frequently would get caught, looking up in the clear, night sky for specific constellations, when our puppy would surprise me by choosing a new place to sniff and yank me and my neck on to the next spot. I couldn’t help it! The sky was captivating! I felt the same when our kids would do night sky observations in school! The beauty of the stars, amidst a clear, dark backdrop, stirred such soul-filling emotions toward my Creator!
I heard a song last week that, musically, lyrically, brought me to that place, again…a place of awe and wonder. I couldn’t help but include it in my Soul Food page (if you look on the Soul Food page and don’t find it, please know that that page is updated periodically, so it may have changed since the date of this post). In continuing to listen to this song, I’ve been stirred by the Spirit to share it with you all, in case you have yet to hear it. I hope the lyrics and melody spark a beautiful conversation between you and your Creator!
Maker Of The Moon [Official Lyric Video]
What’s it Look Like to Abide?
Sometimes, lessons are tough. While I knew the LORD wanted me to write about abiding in Him this week, it didn’t hit me until now that He was showing me an example of what it looked like through a situation that developed in our home over the course of a couple days this week. A lack of communication and different points of view amongst members of our family had led to hurt feelings, alienation, frustration, and anger. I remember sitting on my bed, saying to the LORD, “I don’t know what to do.”
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me, you can do nothing.”
John 15:4-5 NASB 1977
The Greek word for “abide” is “menó.” It has a number of different meanings, but in this particular verse, it means two things.
The first meaning of menó is to be kept, to remain. I just wrote about this in the Bible study the LORD and I are writing (another confirmation that He’s been preparing me for this and giving me clear eyes to see). I SOOOO want to delve deeper on this here!! It stirs my soul, but I’ll just leave that where it is and, hopefully, you’ll look forward to digging in further when the study comes out (I post updates on how the study is coming along in the footer of each page on this site, so feel free to check in now and then to see how it’s coming along and, hopefully, to pray with me.). Today, we’ll focus on remaining or being kept. It’s talking about where you are. In fact, menó is used in John 19:31, when the Jews didn’t want the bodies of Jesus and the two criminals He was crucified next to remaining on the crosses during the Sabbath; they asked Pilate to have their legs broken to speed up their death, so their bodies could be taken off/away. Another phrase we could use here is to stay.
I love the first part of the definition–“to be kept.” There are two parts to the “keeping” to consider. First, God is keeping, preserving, and protecting us.
“The LORD is your protector, there at your right side to shade you from the sun.”
Psalm 121:5 CEV
The word for “protector,” in this verse, is also defined as “keep, preserve.”
“11Holy Father, I am no longer in the world. I am coming to You, but My followers are still in the world. So keep them safe by the power of the name You have given Me. Then, they will be one with each other, just as You and I are one. 12While I was with them, I was protecting them by Your name that You have given Me. I guarded them and not one of them is lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture may be fulfilled. Now I am coming to You, and I speak these things in the world, so that they may have My joy completed in them. I have given them Your word. The world hated them because they are not of the world, as I am not of the world. I am not praying that You take them out of the world, but that You protect them from the evil one.”
John 17:11 CEV, 17:12-15 HCSB
This truth continues here, as Christ made the Father’s character visible to His followers and asked Him to keep and protect them, to guard them from being lost or succumbing, with the focus on preserving His followers. “His followers” includes those of us who’ve accepted Christ as the sacrifice for our sins and have chosen to follow Him!
While the first part of “keeping” is what God does, the second part is on us…we’re to stay put. We need to remain under the Father’s active guard, accepting His guidance and commands; this is, actually, the second meaning of menó–not to leave, to continue to be present. If we step out from under the shadow (shade) of a tree, we’re exposed to the heat and harm of the sun. It’s the same with God. If we remain next to Him, we’ll experience His protection; He’ll cause us to persevere and stand firm, when things come our way, but if we decide we want to walk away from Him to explore something that opposes Him, we’ll be exposed to the enemy (“the evil one”).
“Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel…”
Psalm 73:23-24a NKJV
“Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son.”
2 John 1:9 NLT
I’ve always heard of “abiding” as “to live/dwell.” It’s deeper…closer…than that. When we live with our families, we do life together, but we may also step out to go to the store or work. When we live in a menó relationship with God, we remain present, close beside Him, and He remains our Keeper, our Protector.
I remained beside Him, as I poured out my heart on my bed, and it wasn’t long before a peace calmed my soul. He guided me in the words to say and how to interact, mediate, and encourage. I observed with each family member that the enemy was targeting us, once again; I wasn’t going to let him win…and neither was my Keeper! Throughout the evening, I watched the enemy leave, as I chose not to; and our faithful Protector was active and victorious!
“So place yourselves under God’s authority. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you.”
James 4:7 GWT
God wanting me to dig into “abide” with eyes wide open was affirmed this past week, when a dear friend ordered the sign you saw in this post’s initial image from my daughter’s new little business venture, DFH (Designs for HIM). She’s making Home Goods To Encourage and Inspire, growing her product line, and customizing when asked. “Abide” was a word that was resonating with my friend, and she wanted something simple as a reminder. I think I need one for our home, too.
Liv 