Love - Part 6: Does Not Act Unbecomingly

“Love . . . does not act unbecomingly;”
1 Corinthians 13:5

When thinking about 1 Corinthians 13, this aspect does not seem to stand out as much as say, patience. But when closely looking at it, it is a vital aspect of love. The opposite of this “acting unbecomingly” is also specifically commanded to be portrayed in the lives of women who are followers of Christ (as will be seen later in this writing).Unbecomingly refers to a person’s behavior and how it is expressed in their lives. But what does ‘unbecomingly’ and like words mean?

Unbecomingly: in an unsuitable manner; indecorously*

Unseemly: indecently*

Indecorum: impropriety of behavior; that in behavior or manners which violates the established rules of civility, or the duties of respect with which age or station requires; an unbecoming action. It is something synonymous with indecency; but indecency, more frequently than indecorum, is applied to words or actions which refer to what nature and propriety require to be concealed or suppressed.*

This aspect of love, not acting unbecomingly, is to be the opposite of the above and to instead, “like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy for I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:15-16). As God is holy, so should we be. As He is all-loving, so should we be. He is our example. He is the one whom we should strive to imitate in all our behavior—every moment of every day.

In 1 Peter 3:1-2, a like admonition is given specifically to wives (though the character principles can also be applied to all women) “In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.” Chaste and respectful behavior. A heart condition expressed outwardly through behavior. Paul in writing to Titus exhorts that women are “to be reverent in their behavior” (Titus 2:3).

We can thus conclude that:

1) Women are to be noted by their respect.

Respect is: “Regard; attention. That deportment [how one carries themselves] or course of action which proceeds from esteem; regard; due attention; as, to treat a person with respect".*

Respect is a vital aspect of godly character especially towards one’s parents and elders. Unfortunately this quality is woefully lacking in today’s society. This is illustrated in the lack of things as simple as responding to others with a “Yes, sir” or “No, ma’am”; to parents with “Yes, Mom” and “Yes, Dad”; to speak to one’s elders with Mr. and Mrs.; to not interrupt when others are speaking . . . but all of this has changed. We as a society have lost the essence of respect and concern for others. Self is what is lauded. Self is what is to be appeased and satisfied. We are told that we must have ‘self-respect’ and ‘self-worth’ and often this is at the expense of others. How different, though, this is from the true and godly love that is spoken about here in 1 Corinthians chapter 13!2) Closely related to respect, and yet with a much deeper meaning and connotation, is the beautiful quality of reverence.Reverence is defined as “Fear mingled with respect and esteem”, with reverent being “ Expressing reverence, veneration or submission. Submissive; humble; impressed with reverence”.* This quality of reverence is a topic in and of itself as it covers the vitally important, but often sadly lacking, heart attitude and fruit of submission. (Prayerfully an article on submission will be written sometime in the future.) (Closely tied with this topic of reverence is the quality of a gentle and quiet spirit which has been written about previously. I encourage you to also read this article [part 1 and part 2] in conjunction with what is written here as it adds more completeness to the discussion).As followers of Christ, specifically as women, we must exhibit these aspects of “not act[ing] unbecomingly”. We must give respect and reverence to our fathers, and for those who are married, to their husbands. In addition to this, respect and reverence need to also be exhibited at all times in our lives, to all people. We should be characterized by behavior that is reverent and respectful.

3) Women are also to be chaste in all their behavior

Chaste: “free from obscenity. In language, pure; genuine; uncorrupt"* [also can refer to physical purity]. This is another beautiful, inward adornment of godly womanhood. Purity in heart which bears fruit to purity in action and word. Purity that is free from vulgarity and “filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting” (Ephesians 5:4); free from falsehood and deceit as it is genuine and true.

All of these, reverence, submission, respect, chastity, are expressed through our words, our actions, and our behavior. But it begins as a heart condition. If our hearts have learned wild, independent, disrespectful, dishonoring character/behavior, that is what will be expressed no matter how hard we try otherwise. One example in Scripture is in regards to the words we speak: "For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. " (Matthew 12:34b) If, however, our hearts have been trained in love that does not act unbecomingly, this is what will be seen by others.

May we all strive to “put on love" (Colossians 3:14), this “not act[ing] unbecomingly”, making it part of our character so that it becomes so ingrained into us that it becomes who we are. Women who have adorned themselves not with outward adornment (1 Peter 3:3), but with inward adornment that is expressed outwardly (1 Peter 3:4). Reverent, respectful, chaste and pure, pleasing in the sight of our Lord.

*All definitions taken from Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language


-Posted by Sarah

Words for Edification

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29

This morning as I was reading in Ephesians, the above verse once again convicted my heart. This is an area that I have difficulty with at times - especially during times of tiredness, or when I am struggling with my emotions. Our words have such power - power that can bring devastation, or restoration. James tells us that “the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity” and that it is “a restless evil and full of deadly poison.” (James 3:6, 8) This type of tongue is our nature. Spewing out words that destroy and bring pain. Angry words. Bitter words. Arrogant words. Words that belittle. Often those dearest to us are the recipients of these words, namely, our families. When we speak words such as these, they cut to the heart of those whom we love, and can cause irreparable damage.

But God has called us to set aside our own fleshly desires, and to speak “only such a word as is good for edification”. Edification is the building up of others; encouraging and strengthening them by a cheerful and instructive word. “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” (Romans 14:19) We set our heart, our goal and aim, upon this. Striving to encourage and strengthen our dear ones in the Lord by speaking sweet, encouraging and instructive words to them. May our hearts desire not be to seek our own satisfaction, but to instead speak according to “the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”

“Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3

-Posted by Sarah

Day by Day

This hymn is one of my favorites and such an encouragement to me, and I hope that it will also be an encouragement to you. :)

Day by day and with each passing moment,

Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best -
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Ev'ry day the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He whose name is Counselor and Pow'r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in ev'ry tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.

*Words by: Carolina S. Berg, 1832-1903; trans. by Andrew L. Skoog, 1856-1934

-Posted by Sarah

Love - Part 5: Not Arrogant

“Love . . . is not arrogant” (1 Corinthians 13:4).

And the opposite of arrogance is humility. Arrogance is: “a feeling of superiority or an offensive exhibition of it; that species of pride which consists in exorbitant claims of rank, dignity, estimation or power, or which exalts the worth or importance of the person to an undue degree”*. While the definition of humility is: 1) “freedom from pride and arrogance; humbleness of mind”*. And in regards to our relationship with the Lord it: “consists in lowliness of mind; is a deep sense of one’s own unworthiness in the sight of God . . . penitence for sin, and submission to the divine will”*.

The greatest and purest example of humility is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, “who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8). This is true humility at its fullest. God Himself, the creator of the universe, became a man. Why? To give salvation freely to whoever would believe upon Him. He, being perfect, took all sin upon Himself and died in our place. In the preceding verses, believers are exhorted to “Have this attitude in [ourselves] which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). How do we do this? “by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:2-4).

In our lives, either humility or pride will be the essence of our character. It is up to us to decide which it will be and the rest of our character will be the result of which one of these is reigning in our lives. Because of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, pride is inherent in every person. It is our sin nature; pride in and of ourselves and the desire to please and satisfy our own wants and pleasures, this is worldliness. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” (1 John 2:16). “For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant . . . .” (2 Timothy 3:2). This pride is what caused Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit. The serpent said to her, “You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5). First casting doubt upon the one and true God, the serpent also spoke to Eve’s pride; offering a tantalizing appeal to satisfy and glorify herself. And Eve was deceived (1 Timothy 2:14) and succumbed to the temptation. For “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate.” (Genesis 3:6). We too are daughters of Eve. Born with this same sin nature; this same pride and desire to please and satisfy ourselves.

If this is our nature, we must then exercise to overcome it. In Zephaniah 2:3, it is exhorted to “seek righteousness, seek humility”, and he who “seeks, finds” (Luke 11:10). This seeking is actively searching and studying; it is not passive. Colossians 3:12 states that we are to “put on a heart of . . . humility”. Put on. Active work and labor. We cannot put on our socks without effort on our part. We can sit there and hope and wish that our socks will get on our feet, but without performing action, I can assure you that it will not happen. Likewise, we cannot be humble, unless we put forth the effort to be humble. We cannot expel pride, unless we work on conquering it in day to day instances.

The prophet Daniel is an example of this. In a vision, an angel spoke to Daniel saying, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God . . . .” (Daniel 10:12). Like Daniel, we too are to “humble [our]selves under the mighty hand of God, that He might exalt [us] at the proper time,” (1 Peter 5:6). In the previous verse, verse 5, Peter commands “all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” God Himself has declared: “but to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.” (Isaiah 66:2b). Again in James it is stated: “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” (James 4:6). How, though, do we cultivate this humility? How do we practice it instead of pride? James gives the answer to these questions: “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:7-8a). By submitting our will to God’s will and by drawing near to Him, thence comes humility. Drawing near to God is aligning our hearts closer with His. This is brought about by the reading and study of His word, meditation upon it, application of it to our lives, prayer to our Father and communion with Him.

As shared in a previous post in this series:

A truly humble heart . . . knows that the One working through her is the Lord. And that in and of herself, her “righteous deeds are like a filthy garment” (Isaiah 64:6). The apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans echoes this thought in quoting Psalm 14:1-3: “ ‘. . . There is none who does good . . .’ ” (Romans 3:12). What does Christ say? “ ‘No one is good except God alone.’ ” (Mark 10:18). So as believers, any good that works through us, is because of our Savior, Jesus Christ, working in us through the Holy Spirit.

When we recognize this, there is no room for pride and arrogance in our lives. Instead our hearts bow before the Lord in submission, honor and reverence. All that we are is because of Him. He is the one who has redeemed us, has filled us with the Holy Spirit, and who guides us in His truth. Teaching us, disciplining us and loving us.

“but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 15:57

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 3:20-21 and 4:1-2

*Definitions taken from Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language and The Random House College Dictionary


-Posted by Sarah

Teach Me . . .

"Make me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day."
Psalm 25:4-5

-Posted by Leah

Love - Part 4: Does not Brag

“I played that song so well . . . Look at this beautiful dress I sewed . . . You should read the story I just wrote - it’s wonderful! . . .” Perhaps it is more subtle . . . “Didn’t you like the song I played? . . . Isn’t the dress I sewed pretty? . . . Wasn’t the story I wrote good? . . .” How often do words such as these pass our lips? I know that I have been guilty of such on more than one occasion. Yet all of the above are the opposite of love. They are words of bragging. Of bringing praise and attention to oneself. The former set of questions are more obvious, and the latter more subtle as by those questions, one is ‘fishing’ for compliments (praise and adoration for oneself). Even more destructive, though, is the putting down of others to raise oneself up: “I can play that song better than you . . . My dress is so much prettier than hers . . .”

But what causes one to brag? What is the root problem? It is pride in ourselves and in our own accomplishments. A truly humble heart would not even think to brag on her own accomplishments for she knows that the One working through her is the Lord. And that in and of herself, her “righteous deeds are like a filthy garment” (Isaiah 64:6). The apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans echoes this thought in quoting Psalm 14:1-3: “ ‘. . . There is none who does good . . .’ ” (Romans 3:12). What does Christ say? “ ‘No one is good except God alone.’ ” (Mark 10:18). So as believers, any good that works through us, is because of our Savior, Jesus Christ, working in us through the Holy Spirit. With that in view, who should we direct our praise to? Should we try to bring glory to ourselves or to our Savior?

“ . . . He who boasts is to boast in the LORD. For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.” (2 Corinthians 10:17)

Yes, may our boast be in the Lord and not in ourselves.

True love, the love of God, "does not brag" (1 Corinthians 13:4). The woman in Proverbs 31 is a shining example of this true and pure heart. She went about her normal activities working, serving, loving. Loving the Lord, loving her family and loving all those she came into contact with. Did she go about and seek praise? Did she laud her own accomplishments? No, she did not. What is said at the end of the chapter? “Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31:31). Let her works praise her. Our works, our labors, will speak about where our heart lies. Let others praise us for our works and not ourselves. And let us in our hearts (which can also be expressed verbally), direct the praise back to the Lord.

“But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14

-Posted by Sarah

Blogging with a Purpose

Emily, over at A Heart of Praise, has so sweetly blessed us with the "Blogging with a Purpose" award. Thank you for thinking of us, Emily!

In turn, we would like to pass on this award to a few others. Both of these blogs have been a blessing and encouragement to us.


Maria Pauline ~ Beautiful Grace
Margaret Neufeld

And even though they have already received this award before, we wanted to share the following blogs with you as well as they also have been a great blessing to us.

Emily ~ A Heart of Praise
Under Southern Skies
Bethany ~ Blogging Beth


The rules for the award are as follows:
1. Awarded parties must nominate five people who have not received the award.
2. The blogs that receive the award must serve some purpose.

Love - Part 3: Not Jealous

"Love . . . is not jealous . . ."

Jealous is: "Suspicious that we do not enjoy the affection or respect of others, or that another is more loved and respected than ourselves.”* “Resentful and envious, as of someone’s attainments or of a person because of his attainments, advantages, etc.” **

Nothing can quite destroy like jealousy. Proverbs 27:4 states that “Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood, but who can stand before jealousy?” Who can stand before it? It is a bitter poison that infiltrates the soul and grows into bitterness and bears fruit to even more wickedness. In the life of Joseph, this is clearly shown. Joseph had special dreams. He was given special affection from his father. His brothers, seeing and hearing, began to have twinges of jealousy. “The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph . . .” (Acts 7:9). As these different instances occurred, that jealousy continued to grow and fester. Eventually this jealousy would cause them to plan to murder their own younger brother. And indeed, they would have become murderers if it had not been for the intervention of their brother, Rueben (Genesis 37:18-24). Instead they “sold him into Egypt” (Acts 7:9).

Jealousy begins small, but reaps grievous consequences. We must learn to not let even the tiniest seed of jealousy be planted in our hearts. And if it does happen to be planted, we must recognize this and then quickly uproot it. So often, though, it is easier to nurture and care for this jealousy, but by doing this, we are walking according to the flesh and not the Spirit. For “if we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:25-26). Yes, let us not.

Let us instead “through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13b), may “each of us . . . please his neighbor for his good, to his edification” (Romans 15:2), and follow the second greatest commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). If we are cultivating these in our hearts, jealousy will not have the opportunity to grow and bear its fruit. The ‘soil’ of our hearts will not be suitable for it. Jealousy is conquered when we walk by the Spirit, thus bearing the good fruit of love.

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;” Philippians 2:3

*Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language
*The 1975 Random House College Dictionary


-Posted by Sarah

Colossians 3:1-4

"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory."
Colossians 3:1-4

A Fragrance. . .

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-15

“We are a fragrance of Christ.” That is a beautiful and compelling thought. What is it that comes to mind when you think of the word fragrance? For me, I think of the scent of a rose, the smell of the air after a rain, the aroma that comes from a newly lit candle. Even with our eyes closed, we can identify these things simply by their scent – there is no mistaking the mouthwatering smell of a freshly baked apple pie for the delicate fragrance of a hyacinth.

Just as we can identify these things, simply by their fragrance, so should we ourselves, as followers of God, be readily identifiable to those around us, by the life that we live, the love that we share, our attitude, our speech, our countenance, as we are the fragrance of Christ.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15

The verse above tells us that a lamp will give light to “all who are in the house”. Everyone who was in the presence of the light, was also aware of the source of where that light was coming from. What is it that people see in us? Do they recognize us as being different, as ones who are radiating the light of the Lord?

Jesus Christ is the Light of the world (John 8:12), and one of our purposes as believers is that others may see the Lord in us, that they may see His light reflected through us. How do we do this? By living for Him, by striving always to be obedient, by learning what is “pleasing to the Lord.”

“For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8-10

Now back to the original thought – being a fragrance of Christ. It is a beautiful picture of our relationship with the Lord. It is also a vital responsibility that is placed on each of us once we make the choice to believe and put our faith in Jesus Christ. God has given us the privilege, the honor of being His fragrance. May we all be striving to make the most of every opportunity, that those who see us may know that the love of Christ is in us, “for we are a fragrance of Christ.”


-Posted by Leah

Love - Part 2: Kindness

“Love is patient, love is . . . kind”. Kindness is the second aspect used to describe love in 1 Corinthians 13, and like patience, is also a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). And again, our God is the perfect example of kindness.

“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance.” (Romans 2:4). God’s kindness, which He has shown toward mankind, leads us to “the repentance that leads to life.” (Acts 11:18). Because of God’s great kindness, He sent His only begotten Son to die in our place, taking our sins upon Himself; “when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy” (Titus 3:4-5a). He has “made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:7). Thanks be to God for the great kindness that He has bestowed upon us! May we follow our Lord’s example, “for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.” (Luke 6:35). May we practice the kindness that He desires us to have in our lives. For “the Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all . . . .” (2 Timothy 2:24).

God has also specifically instructed women that this aspect of love, kindness, is to be a part of their character:

“Older women likewise . . . encourage the young women . . . to be . . . kind” Titus 2:3-5

Godly women in Scripture can encourage us in this area of kindness by the testimony of their own lives. The woman in Proverbs 31 had “the teaching of kindness on her tongue.” (Proverbs 31:26). Tabitha (or Dorcas), was a woman who “was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.” (Acts 9:36). (To read more on the life of Tabitha, please read “A Godly Example”).

We know that we are to be kind. We see that women are also specifically instructed in this area. We see examples in Scripture of kindness lived out in the lives of godly women. But what is kindness in actuality?

“Some words, such as kindness, are so commonly used, that many times we don't even entirely grasp the fullness of what they mean. Kindness is defined as: “that temper or disposition which delights in contributing to the happiness of others, which is exercised cheerfully in gratifying their wishes, supplying their wants or alleviating their distresses.”* From the definition, we can see that kindness would be having a servant's heart and a selfless attitude; looking to the needs of others, caring so much about someone else's needs that we go out of our way to bless them. It may even be something so simple as a smile, a loving note, or a helping hand.” (Quote taken from A Godly Example; emphasis added).

Kindness is not seeking to satisfy our own wants and desires, but instead having a heart of service to others. A heart earnestly desiring to bear the burdens of those around us. Desiring to bring comfort and rest to weary hearts. Looking for and seeing needs and meeting them, not only physical needs, but also spiritual and emotional needs.

Having this heart of kindness does not just happen instantly. Paul instructs “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience: bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14). We must “put on” this heart of kindness. Actively seeking, actively working, actively practicing kindness.

“. . . applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8). What a beautiful truth! If we are practicing these attributes, which kindness is one, we are fruitful and useful for our Master’s use.

Solomon, in his God-given wisdom, says it so well: “Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” (Proverbs 3:3).

*Definition taken from Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary to the English Language.


-Posted by Sarah

Love - Part 1: Patience

What would be your impression of one who spoke in many languages of men and with great eloquence? Who also had a great gift of prophecy and was brilliant? Who had a faith so strong that they could move mountains? What if this one took all of their possessions and gave them to those in need? How would we perceive the person who not only gave of all of their physical possessions, but also gave their very life as a martyr? Would we not say that this one was a great person and worthy of imitation? But, there is one factor that if lacking makes all the above null and void. Love. Paul states:

“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

We are nothing without love. Any act that we do, no matter how noble and great, is worthless if love is not present.

The world today has its own definition of what love is. A definition that is quite different from what God sees love to be. The apostle Paul describes this beautiful attribute of love in verses 4-8 in 1 Corinthians 13:

“Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails;”

The first aspect of love mentioned is patience. Love is patient. Patience is also listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). In Scripture, the Greek words used for “patience” and its derivatives are all similar in that they mean to have “a patient enduring”, “to persevere, to be patient”, “to await, to endure”, “patience, long-suffering”. “Patient” is defined by Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language as “1 Having the quality of enduring evils without murmuring or fretfulness; sustaining afflictions of body or mind with fortitude, calmness or christian submission to the divine will. 2 Not easily provoked; calm under the sufferance of injuries or offenses; not revengeful. 3 Persevering; constant in pursuit of exertion; calmly diligent. 4 Not hasty; not over eager or impetuous; waiting or expecting with calmness or without discontent.”

Patience is to be present in the lives of those following in Christ’s footsteps. The Lord is the perfect example of patience: “Yet for this reason I [Paul] found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience . . . .” (1 Timothy 1:16). When we were lost sinners, God showed us great love and patience. He “demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). We are to “regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you,” (2 Peter 3:15).

So often when others wrong us, we respond with the opposite of love. Angry words, hurt feelings, and contentiousness fill the heart. Christ has called us, though, to love as He loved. He desires us to show patience even when we are wrongfully accused or harshly treated. As a child of God, we are exhorted that “the Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition” (2 Timothy 2:24-25).

Throughout our days, many little things arise that can stir up the opposite of patience in our hearts; can stir up contentions and quarrels. One of our siblings tracks mud on the floor we just cleaned. The soup on the stove boils over. A little sister drops one of our favorite books resulting in a smashed binding and torn pages. Patience . . . patience. Will we exhibit it? “Therefore I [Paul], the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3). May we strive for this “bond of peace” by responding to these and all other instances with the beautiful spirit of patience. Each time that we do this, we will be training ourselves in patience. Thus, making it easier and easier each time a situation arises to respond in a manner pleasing to our Lord. If we do not practice patience, we are training ourselves to respond with irritability, anger, or despair.

Whichever we have practiced and learned, will also be expressed in circumstances that are more trying and difficult than what has been listed above such as persecutions and revilings. As followers of Christ, it is guaranteed to us that we will endure sufferings and persecutions. Christ told His disciples “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Paul supports this by saying: “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12). Not may be, but will be. How should we respond when these persecutions and sufferings arise? “For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.” (1 Peter 2:20). Have we learned to practice patience in the little things so that when much more difficult circumstances and sufferings arise we will be able to respond with patient endurance which finds favor with the Lord?

It is important to remember that in our own strength, we cannot exhibit patience. Only when allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us can we respond to others and to our sufferings in such a manner. There is a passage in Scripture that is an encouragement regarding this:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our afflictions so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Christ is our comforter. He is our strength in times of trial and testing. May we cling to Him. May we cling to His promises. And may His perfect patience be displayed in our lives in every circumstance that comes our way, and to everyone we come into contact with: “We urge you, brethren . . . be patient with everyone.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).


Note: The above post is the first installment in a series based upon 1 Corinthians 13.


-Posted by Sarah

Keepers at Home

We have talked about the importance of serving the Lord, and one fruit of serving Him is, in turn, service to our families. One area that we can serve our family is through living the godly calling of being a keeper at home; or, a ‘worker’ at home.

“Older women . . . encourage the young women . . . to be . . . workers [or keepers] at home.” Titus 2:3, 5

“Keeper” by the Greek definition is to guard the home, to be domestically inclined (i.e. a good housekeeper). There is a description in Scripture of what I would say would be an excellent example of a keeper at home. This example is found in Proverbs 31:10-31:

-She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight.
-She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.
-She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens.
-She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
-She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
-She senses that her gain is good; her lamp does not go out at night.
-She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle.
-She extends her hand to the poor and stretches out her hands to the needy.
-She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
-She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple
-She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen.
-Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.
-She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
-She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness
-Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
-Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
Excerpts from Proverbs 31:10-31

Keeping the home involves so many aspects. What we generally think of is the physical acts of cleaning, cooking/baking, etc. Tending to these things is a part of our calling as women of God and by doing so, is living obedience to God. What type of activities would fall under this heading of being a keeper at home? Here are some basic thoughts and ideas regarding this:

Cleaning:
♥ Washing the dishes
♥ Laundry
♥ Vacuuming
♥ Picking up
♥ Organizing
♥ Dusting
♥ Cleaning the bathroom (including mirrors, sinks, counters, and bathtub/shower)
♥ Cleaning the kitchen (including counters, sink, microwave, refrigerator, etc.)
♥ Sweeping
♥ Mopping
♥ Cleaning the Pantry
♥ Cleaning and organizing closets, cupboards, and drawers

Cooking and Baking:
♥ Daily cooking nourishing and healthy meals (or helping your mom do so)
♥ Baking bread
♥ Baking special desserts :)
♥ Gardening and providing fresh vegetables

Decorating:
♥ Flower arrangements
♥ Candles
♥ Soft music playing
♥ Cozy quilts, afghans and pillows
♥ Edifying Scripture verse wall-hangings (pictures, cross-stitches, drawings, etc.)

Caring for these physical aspects of the home are very important, but an even more important aspect of being a ‘keeper’ is keeping the atmosphere of the home. Is it sharp and cutting? Warm and welcoming? Cold and hard? Relaxing and cheerful? The type of atmosphere in our home will be determined by the occupants’ heart attitudes, countenances and words. Yours and mine included. Here are some thoughts on what these would be:

Heart Attitude, Countenance and Words of:

♥ Joy
♥ Love
♥ Kindness
♥ Peace/Peacemaker
♥ Not contentious
♥ Patience
♥ Goodness
♥ Faithfulness
♥ Self-control
♥ Submission
♥ Obedience and honor to our parents
♥ A Gentle and Quiet Spirit
♥ Diligence

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it gives a general idea of what attributes we can cultivate in our lives in order to have a pleasant and God-honoring atmosphere in our homes. It is most difficult to exhibit these qualities when those around us do not practice them, but one sweet fragrance of a rose can permeate a large area. Be that one sweet rose casting its fragrance and beauty upon all those who come into contact with it. May we let Christ shine through us to bless others, so that they too may “glorify [our] Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

*If any of you should have something to add to the above lists, please feel free to share! We would love to hear your thoughts. *


-Posted by Sarah

Love Produces Service

As I was reading the book "An Urgent Call to a Serious Faith" yesterday, one of the chapters fit in so well with what was shared in the earlier post regarding serving the Lord. This chapter added depth and understanding to why we are to serve, and what is the impetus for that service. It is love for the Lord.

Excerpt from chapter eighteen:

"Knowing God leads to holiness. He alone becomes one's consuming passion, displacing all other desires and overcoming the power of sin in our lives. His presence within is sufficient to satisfy every longing. For to know God is to love Him - and there is no higher motivation for obedience to His commands than love. In fact, no other motivation is accepted. It is no accident that the first commandment is, 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might ' (Deuteronomy 6:5).

"Obedience to God's laws must spring from love for Him. Otherwise, as 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 declares, obeying the letter of the law is nothing. We could give all our possessions to the poor and submit to martyrdom at the stake in service for Christ, but if our motive is not love it would all be in vain. So it is that Christ declared, 'If a man love me he will keep my words . . . he that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings' (John 14:23, 24).

"Loving God is the secret of the Christian life. If we truly love Him, then we want to serve, please, and glorify Him. We would not want to do anything or even think a thought that would displease or dishonor Him. A genuine love for God - and only that love - produces consistent holiness in our daily lives."

(Taken from An Urgent Call to a Serious Faith by Dave Hunt; excerpt from chapter 18 'Knowing and Loving God'; pages 149-150)

-Posted by Sarah

Servants of the Lord

Lately, I have been thinking quite a bit about what it means to truly serve the Lord and others. How should we serve? When should we give service? How often? To what extent? In what manner?

This morning I looked through all the New Testament verses and several Old Testament verses (by using our NASB concordance) that dealt with words such as 'serve', 'serving', 'servant', etc.

Firstly, when we become believers in Jesus Christ, we turn from the things of the world in order to serve the Lord. Instead of serving the flesh we are to serve God. Paul in writing to the Thessalonians, rejoices “For they themselves report about us what kind of reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God,” (1 Thessalonians 1:9); and Christ taught his disciples that “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Luke 16:13; also found in Matthew 6:24)

The Israelites were also called to turn from serving under the Old Covenant to instead serve God under the New Covenant through Christ: “But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound [the Old Testament Law], so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.” (Romans 7:6) and "For you were called to freedom [from Law], brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13).

We are not to serve the things of the world and our flesh, but instead, the Lord. “And do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.” (Romans 6:13).There is no gray area between the two; it is either black or it is white. We cannot serve both. We cannot have our heart’s allegiance placed on two opposite courses; two different paths. “Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.” ’ ” (Luke 4:8; also found in Matthew 4:10). God alone should we seek to serve and no other.

Christ is our perfect example in service:

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45; also found in Matthew 20:28)

“For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the tables? But I am among you as the one who serves.” (Luke 22:27 )

Christ’s service was the ultimate. He gave Himself entirely for others. He did not seek His own interests, but only those things that were “pleasing to Him [meaning God the Father]” (John 8:29). Christ later exhorts His disciples: “If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.” (John 12:26). We are to follow in Christ’s path of service. He has left us an example to “follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). This serving, this following in His steps, is obedience to His Word. Keeping His Word and living it in our lives.

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship,” (Romans 12:1). Our entire beings, every aspect of our lives, are to be offered as a sacrifice unto God which is true spiritual service and worship to Him. This is what God desires from us; a true denial of self, and surrender and obedience to God.

We are to also “With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men,” (Ephesians 6:7). We are to be “serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which come upon [us]” (Acts 20:19). And in all of this we are to “Serve the Lord with gladness” (Psalm 100:2). This ought to be our heart in serving, not grudgingly, but with joy and gladness.

As we strive to follow Christ’s example and grow in these areas, we should become known and marked by others as servants of God by how we live our lives. Others should be able to look at us and see, and to know, whom we serve. In the book of Daniel, King Darius recognized where Daniel’s heart was placed. The morning after Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den, the king hurried out and exclaimed: “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?” (Daniel 6:20). The king had attained a knowledge of “the living God”, because of Daniel’s boldness and commitment to serving God and Him alone.

Phoebe and Tychicus were both recognized by Paul as fellow servants of the Lord and of the church (brothers and sisters in the Lord). “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea;” (Romans 16:1), and “Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord” (Colossians 4:7).

To the Corinthians, Paul expresses his heart by saying: “Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” (1 Corinthians 4:1). Paul desired men to recognize those who claim to be believers in Christ as those who are also servants of Him. We should ask ourselves: How do men regard us? When they think of us, do they think of an accomplished musician? A great career woman? An exceptional homemaker? Talented in arts and crafts? Excelling in studies? Or do they recognize this about us, that we are servants of Christ? It is a sobering, yet convicting thought.

Serving the Lord, and then also serving others, is vital if we claim to be followers of Christ. God desires it, and He also commands it. Our genuine service to the Lord is pleasing to Him, and by our service and obedience, God will be glorified.


“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11


-Posted by Sarah