Keeping the Word
“Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him,and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.”
If you’re anything like me, keeping God’s word seems easy until it comes right down to it. I seem to have a stubborn rebellious streak that doesn’t like to be disturbed.
The phrase, “it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission” pops into my head frequently and, admittedly, has become something of a mantra (unintentionally). If there’s one thing I suck at, it’s being patient. But, patience is at the top of the list in 1 Corinthians 13. And part of loving the Lord means being patient with His plans.
Whoever loves me will keep my word
Keeping God’s word means choosing all of God’s word. We can’t just choose the parts that we like - or the parts that are convenient. Patience doesn’t come easily to me, but that doesn’t mean that I can ignore it.
Each time I say yes to virtue, to humility, and patience - to kindness and generosity - to living out God’s word - I create space for God to dwell within me. I want God to dwell with me always, and the more I keep His word, the more often that will happen. Even if I don’t like patience, when I choose it, I’m making a place for the Lord.
Father,
Thank You for making space for us to grow; for teaching us how to follow You with patience and persistence. Thank You for being so kind to us as we learn how to walk with You.
Teach us to be patient and kind and good. Teach us how to love like You do.
God, we love You. Show us how to keep Your word. Amen.