The Lord is our Strength and Shelter
Psalm 59:16 “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”
This psalmist sings of his reliance on God and his strength. As fallible humans, we may crumble in the face of times of trouble. When this happens, remember to turn to our Lord God for strength and shelter.
His strength is immeasurable, his love everlasting. He will be our refuge and will give us the strength we need to push through times of weakness.
Devotion to God
“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.” Psalms 116:1-2 NIV.
The psalmist begins his song with a declaration of love, simply announcing to all who listen that he loves the Lord, as should be our attitude in our lives, boldly proclaiming our love for Him. The next 2 verses describe what God has done for us to deserve this devotion.
“He heard my cry” and “He turned his ear to me”. Our loving Father in heaven listens to our prayers, thanksgiving and lamentations. Our Love is shown in return when we turn to him at all times in our lives be it highs or lows, and we are to call on him for as long as we live.
How do we love?
1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
Last week, 1 John told us why we should love. Not for personal gain, or out of obligation, but because that is God’s command to us, to love others as Jesus loved us.
Today’s verse deals with what that love should look like. Agreeability with each other, sympathy and understanding, compassion and humility. Key traits in the love that we Christians should exhibit to everyone around us, no exceptions.
In the context of the verse, Peter says that this love should be shown to those who oppose us and are evil, and to repay evil with blessings. 1 Peter 3:17 “For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”
This is the kind of love and understanding we are to show to everyone, for it falls upon us to be blessings during times of evil.
Christ’s love as an example to us
“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19, NIV
Note here, that the verse instructs us to love. Not “love specific people who have been good to you” or “love those who are convenient to love”. The verse says be loving, for He loves us.
Christ’s love is sacrificial and unconditional. Our love should be the same, but as loving as we can be, many of us don’t live up to these expectations most of the time. Our love is conditional, and not always sacrificial.
Keeping with this month’s theme of loving thy neighbour, look at those around you, your church, class, CG or MG. Is there someone you haven’t spoken to or caught up with for a while? Start by striking up a conversation with them, ask them how you can pray for them, and do so.
Be loving, because he first loved us.
Being Loving
As Christians, we are told to love and be loving towards those around us. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 details just what that love should entail. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Patience, kindness, humility, honour, selflessness, forgiveness, honesty are some of the core values of Christian love. It is very possible to excel in one aspect but falter in others. Are you selfless, yet hold an old grudge? Or perhaps humble, but not always entirely honest with your loved ones.
Often, we are blinded to our own shortcomings or have justified them to ourselves. Seek the help of a member of your community, to find out what aspect of love you may be lacking, and work on improving it.
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