Monday, June 8, 2009

Weekly Memory Verse


Before I begin this week's verse, I want to apologize to everyone for not posting last week. Thankfully, Peggy came through for me.

To say that my life has been overwhelming lately is putting things mildly. But, I've surrendered the entire situation to God over and over again, until finally I'm not stressing about things. Everything is in God's control, God's hands, and I'm going to sit back and listen for His voice directing my every word and move.

Thanks for hanging in there with me, and thank you to everyone who sent notes asking about my well being.

Now--last week's verse:

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another....John 13:35 (NASB)


This verse strikes a chord in me. This does not say that people will know that we are Christ followers by our religious doctrines, our "good deeds", or even how we show our love for God.

This verse clearly states that people will know we are followers of Jesus by the way we love one another--which is the way God loves us--unconditionally.

Is it hard to love some people unconditionally? Yes, it certainly is. And this is something that God has been showing me in my day to day interactions with others.

Am I judging people? Am I making assumptions about them before I even begin to know them?

Or am I loving them as Jesus would?

This is truly something to pray over--asking God to show me how to love others unconditionally--even when they don't return my love.

We'll move on to next week's verse which is the 10 of clubs from the "Embracing the Word" cards:

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much......James 5:16 (NASB)

I'm not sure if "Mr. Linky" is working or not. If not and you are participating, please let me know in the comment section so I can stop by and visit your Weekly Memory Verse.




Beth

4 comments:

Beth in NC said...

Thanks for doing this Beth. I just linked up. I pray you are doing well.

Love!
b

GranthamLynn said...

I didn't get to join last week but I am in for this week. I added the verse today at the end of my post.
Many Blessings,
Sherry

Peggy said...

Blessings Beth, So glad that you did this!

Though it was brief, it was to the point & hit the nail on the head.

This is where the POWER of Your Love & His Love meet!

Good honest words & truly something each of us need to work on; love unconditionally the least likely...the one who really urks us, the one we may be judging, the one who does not appeal or strike us...perfect analysis that it is not our doctrines, good deeds, etc.

Love your insights! Glad that you shared, looking forward to what you'll say about James 5:16.

May you find strength as you pray & God's power to love & press on...
forward in Christ Jesus!

Rachel said...

Thanks for your dedication to this blog. I love reading your insights. And you are so right - life tries to come in and still our peace and we have to keep giving over the situations until we finally let go.

I love this verse. John 13:35 - it is quite convicting isn't? To give a love that is so different and so powerful that it stands out from the world's love. It has to be God's love flowing through us. And when His love flows through us it is perfect for those around us. Sometimes it is a tough love - sometimes it is so gentle. I am thankful for Jesus modeling for us both.

Thanks for the reminder - underlining all of our purposes regardless of our vocation or calling is to love.

Rachel
www.stirringthedeep.com