“Let all you do be done in love” (1Cor.16:14). “The entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Gal. 5:15). “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins”—that is, it reveals the mercy and grace we have in Jesus (1Pet.4:8).
Lord Jesus, there are so many reasons we should look forward to our coming life in the new heaven and new earth. Here are 3 of too-many-to-count. Seeing you and being made like you tops the list. Second, it will be impossible for us to ever sin again—a stunning hope, indeed. Third, will be the enjoyment of perfect relationships, with everyone, everywhere, all the time. Hasten that Day, gracious Savior.
We—your impossible-to-count, from-every-nation Bride, will be identical in our Christlikeness, but forever diverse in our national, cultural, ethnic uniqueness. None of us will be erased, replaced, or canceled. Made perfect in love, we will finally love each other as you love each of us. You have won that reality for us by the size of your heart and the price of your life. Hallelujah, and thank you Jesus.
Surely it must grieve you when we love poorly—over major issues, non-eternal stuff, and by just being inconvenienced. To get irritated is to be human, but to repent quickly is to belong to you. Conflict is inevitable, but redemptive conflict is a choice—a choice made by those who champion showing kindness over personal rightness, and revealing you more than getting our way.
Jesus, help us. Free us. Change us. As we head into a holiday stretch—4th of July fun, may the fireworks be in the sky and not in our hearts and relationships. So Very Amen.