Terri's Wellspring

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.   Ephesians 4:2 – 3 (NIV)

As young children the lessons of getting along with one another begin.  We are asked “to share”, “to be nice”, “don’t hit” and many other guiding instructions to promote harmony among toddlers.  The principle of unity and peace somehow becomes more obscure as we get older.  We may become less patient with one another, coarse in our words and opinions.  The public discourse in our country is the worst example of our abandonment of love, meekness and unity.  Paul encourages his fellow believers to make every effort to keep unity through the bond of peace.  It may mean showing kindness despite a perceived offense, it may mean going an extra mile to repair a relationship, it may mean forgiving someone before an apology; it may mean showing God’s love in every situation, no matter the circumstance.  Genuine love covers all things.  Our love for one another should demonstrate to the world that we are His children.  Let’s make every effort to show His love through our love and peace in our homes, our workplace and our communities.

Who can find a virtuous woman?  for her price is far above rubies.   Proverbs 31:10

We have heard this scripture so many times before. In Sunday School, I recently learned more about the word “virtuous”, which also denoted “power, strength, force, army”. This revelation actually gives this passage a whole new light and the description of this mighty woman of God more context. The rest of the chapter describes a woman who is a gifted wife, mother, business manager, and philanthropist with the highest level of character and respect of others.  She seems perfect and somewhat unattainable until I learned about this important aspect of the translation.  She is powerful, strong and capable due to her connection to God.  She is a mighty warrior for righteousness for her family and community.

As Mother’s Day approaches, it is a time to reflect on the mighty women who have made a difference in our lives; the women who have gone before us and the women who continue to travel with us today. I am so thankful for my mother, Marion Gene.  She has always been a source of pride, strength and encouragement for me.  The memories of my grandmothers, Nina and Marion are examples of faith, strength and survival for me.  Even the memory of my mother in law Jessie is a reminder of the faithfulness of our God.  I thank God for each of them and the blessing of my sisters & my sister friends – who provide love, support and joy along the journey.  I am so thankful for the gift of the mighty warriors in our lives.

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.    John 3:16

I believe God’s love for us is immeasurable.  It is hard to imagine how deep and wide His love is for me and for you.   He gave us the gift of His son Jesus and through Him we have the opportunity of salvation.  This precious gift is available to each of us once we accept Jesus as our personal savior.   It is a blessing that  we could not have possibly earned but it is God’s goodness and mercy toward us.   What a joy it is to be in a relationship with our Father who shows us such great love.

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.     John 13:34-35

Showing love is one of the most powerful demonstrations of who we are in Christ. Each day is full of opportunities to show love and concern for the people that cross our paths. The way we answer the phone, the way we respond to a question at work, the way we reach out to others are all opportunities to respond with our love. Each interaction is a chance to show that we care and that there is something different about us. Love should be reflected in our words, our attitudes and our approach to everyday things. As His children, people should see us and know that we are a part of His family. Along life’s journey let us commit to showing His love each day.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.  Psalm 118:1

God is a faithful Father, who has been so good to each of us. I woke up this morning thinking of His goodness to me. I am so blessed, in so many ways due to His love, grace and mercy toward me. What a blessing to have a relationship with God that is rooted in a love that will last forever. My heart is full with thanksgiving for His faithful love to me.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.      Romans 8:38-39     New Living Translation

In a world that is constantly changing, we need things that we can count on.  God’s love for us is that firm foundation that we can rely on no matter what.  Sometimes because of shortcomings and mistakes we feel like we should create emotional distance between us and God.  Maybe we may feel we have done too much for too long.  But He is always there, just a prayer away.  He is always ready to extend His love, His forgiveness and His mercy.