Promises for the Battle
Promises
Thinking #2— Sanctifying Consideration
Consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body for the purpose of obeying its desires. Romans 6:11–12 Thinking about the unseen reality of union with Christ is worth the effort! Jesus is dead to sin—it cannot have a negative … Continue reading
Thinking #1—Transforming Thoughts
For us to succeed as followers of Jesus in a frenetic and fractious world, we would be wise to make time to think deeply about what God has communicated to us about how to live as his representatives. He encourages us to let his word abide in us, to let it be at home in … Continue reading
Encouragements to Love #8—Lovers’ Praise
Be imitators of God, as beloved children. Indeed, walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us. (Ephesians 5:1–2) We are amazed and encouraged as we consider how much you have loved us, O God. From before you established the earth you graciously chose us to be your children, to become … Continue reading
Encouragements to Love #7—Above and Beyond
May the Lord cause you to abound increasingly in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you, so that your hearts become established as blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. 1 Thessalonians 3:12–13 As … Continue reading
Encouragements to Love #6—Blinded by Love
Because the culmination of all things is near, be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer; above all maintaining a fervent love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:7–8 (Proverbs 10:12; 17:9; James 5:20) The poets (Chaucer and Shakespeare) say, “Love is blind.” And it is, sort of. … Continue reading
Encouragements to Love #5—Worthy Love
Live worthily of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and meekness, patiently tolerating one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1–3 Embarrassing God is foolish. We do this is when we misrepresent our claim of allegiance to … Continue reading
Encouragements to Love #4—Doing Well
Prove yourselves to be those who do the word … ones who contemplate the perfect, liberating law and persevere in it … If you fulfill the royal law as expressed in this scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing beautifully. James 1:22–2:8 When we responded joyfully to the message that God was reconciling … Continue reading
Encouragements to Love #3—Fulfilling Love
Through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:13–14) Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “Do not …” are summed up in this, “Love your neighbor … Continue reading
Encouragements to Love #2—Recognizable Love
I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. If you have love for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples. John 13:34–35 We didn’t need to be able to read the name on the back of Fernando Valenzuela’s … Continue reading
Encouragements to Love #1—Cohesive Virtue
God insists that love characterize our lives as it does his. He wants love to be an affection that fills our hearts so that our hands engage in loving acts. The heart affection is what makes our hands’ actions authentic. Love is firstly the affection of the heart that arises as we view someone or … Continue reading
