Be Brave

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NKJV

Our dear St Paul addressed this epistle to the problems within the Corithian church. Pointing them calmly, yet firmly, to the correct doctrine, Paul urged them to be imitators of Jesus. This reminded me that our daily challenges don't always come from the world, but sometimes they come from those we call brothers and sisters in Christ, our church community. Division is not new to church comunities, nor to those who are in positions of authority within those churches. Who do we follow? Who do we believe? Where are we spiritual fed the sweet fruit of God's truth? Why do Christians squabble among themselves when together--in unity--we could do so much good for the world?

Watch, be on guard, keep your eyes and ears open, do not become ambivalent or negligent. Hold fast to your convictions, test them against the teachings of the Bible and stand firm against any word or deed that comes against that faith. Be brave, fearless, courageous, valiant, in defending your faith and your family of believers against any that come against it. Be committed, resolute, determined and stand your ground in doing good, loving each other. And with love. Isn't that interesting? St Paul ends this admonition with do everything with love. Speak the truth in love. Act in love. Defend in love. Agape love is a demonstrative love. When dealing with family, friends, fellow Christians, lead with love. If your heart isn't guided by love, step back, pray, and then try again.

It takes a brave heart to follow Christ, to be obedient to God's word the Bible, and show love. Love makes us vulnerable and many of us avoid that state at all costs. Yet in loving we are the most like Jesus. So this week be brave in loving others and each other. Be brave in being faithful to your God. Blessings!