Category: Devotionals

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

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
-1 Peter 4:8 KJV

When I spotted different translations using “love” or “charity,” I was drawn to dig deeper.

The Greek word for both is “agapē.”

One commentary bridged the gap between the translations reaching back to “chariot” as a root for “charity”: …transporting of God’s love in man one to another.”

I have a strong feeling that there is only one Love in the world. Like handwritten letters, we are the vehicles by which Love is experienced.

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Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
-James 1:22

Show, don’t tell. When you love someone or something, it is obvious in your actions. Love for Jesus Christ is no different.

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Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.
-James 1:20

Anger provides instant negative feedback: the body tenses, the mind scatters, and the soul aches.

Its abscence makes room for God. God’s love clears and focuses the mind on righteous goals.

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The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted.
-Matthew 28:16-17 NIV

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
-Matthew 28:18-20 KJV

Jesus had just risen from the grave. He was publicly on the cross, buried, and guarded. And they doubted.

I’ve been blessed with little doubt in God since accepting Christ into my heart. My doubt lies in my ability to understand Scripture and serve the greatest good.

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You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
-Philippians 2:5

Sometimes you have to set some people running.

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I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
-Philippians 1:6

My process is slow. I’ve come to a radical place, but it took a lot of detours and doubts and a tragedy or two.

I am grateful for the change the Holy Spirit has manifested in my life and I look forward to the continuation of the process.

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For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
-Galatians 5:13-14 KJV

The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
-Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

Love is anarchy. It has no laws and no governors. It is freedom from earthly chains. It is the work of the Holy Spirit in each of us.

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“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
-Matthew 7:24-25

There is always another storm. Make sure to build your home on the rock.

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Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
-Romans 12:2

Transformation is an ongoing process. Patterns of behavior, thought, and feeling are rooted deep in our instinct to seek stability and safety. We return to these worldly patterns when we are fearful and uncomfortable.

The process of growing closer to God meams constant change and long-term improvement. Mistakes are made along the way and we must refocus our minds on the journey.

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