We are exhorted by Paul the apostle to “watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.” (1 Corinthians 16:13,14) This means that we don’t back down when it comes to our faith in Jesus, but that we look to Him day in and day out in prayer, Bible study, in doing what He has said, and what the Holy Spirits leads us in now. This is standing fast in the faith, which will allow the light of Christ to enter us. By doing this, we quit doing things our own way and begin to learn and do what God has for our lives instead. He makes us strong. We can’t do this on our own. Paul also exhorted us to do all things in charity. Which we learn that “charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) Only by walking in the light of Jesus, and doing as He says, can charity become who you are around other people and God.
Paul also explained something very important, which could jeopardize our salvation if we don’t remember this. He said, “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.” (1 Corinthians 16:22-24) In this context, Anathema Maranatha means accursed from God. So how do you know if you truly love Jesus? Simple, actually. Jesus even taught us how and said, “he that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” (John 14:21-24) Your obedience to God shows your love towards Him. Your disobedience towards God shows how much you dislike Him. So if you are not keeping God’s commandments now, I simply ask that you repent and get right with the Lord today.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that we will learn what it means to truly love You and to stay firm in the faith. You have put this truth in my heart and I hope and pray that others will also learn from Your mighty hand. It is vital that we abide in You, that You may abide in us. Only then will we keep Your commandments and also love Your ways. For many people, obedience to You is too hard, but to the elect, it is a blessing indeed. We don’t complain when You wish for us to do something but give You praise for even asking of us something like this in our lives. Thank You for even wanting to do a work in and through my life. It is absolutely amazing, and I give You praise, honor, and respect whenever I am called. You are my King and I worship You, God. Have Your way in my life, Lord. Do a work that has never been seen. I am here, ready, and waiting for You to use me once again in Your kingdom. If I am not being used by Your mighty hand, then I have failed You and I am sorry. Lord, it is my prayer that You will fill my life up with righteousness, holiness, charity, and love. May I go about each day with Your light round about me. I wish for every person to see You in me and also glorify the Father. This is what I hope for day in and day out. You make me stronger, God. I love You, Jesus. I trust in You. Amen.