Real love never takes a Holiday. Love should be given and shown in difficult times even more such as the pandemic, crises, and when those we love fall short. Many in our nation sense a growing division and hostility among the people of this nation. We have seen an increasing lack of civility and grace in how we communicate with one another in almost every sphere of society beginning with those in government leadership roles. We see the bold show of racism in word and deed to blacks and people of color.
We should have concern for others just as my heart is praying for and concerned about the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Pray for Ukraine.
The apostle Paul urged that “requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone…that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (I Timothy 2:1-3). It is time for us to P. R. A. Y. as a nation corporately and individually, in this turbulent time of open racism, rumors of wars and aggression, and troubled communities and cities. Pray that we will truly love one another as Christ has loved us. We need to go before the Lord to seek through prayer that we walk in love and for “peaceful and quiet lives” – for ourselves, our families, our neighbors, friends, and our nation.
Significantly, we should celebrate God’s perpetual and steadfast love for us and how we should love Him with our whole hearts and love our neighbor. Love gives. Jesus loved us that He gave His life for you. It should be a celebration of relationships at all times even in difficult circumstances. Love never takes a holiday. We should walk in love as much as possible throughout the year.
Beloved let us love one another: for love is God… 1 John 4:7-8. Thank God for loving YOU . Celebrate the love of Jesus with the lonely, depressed, and broken-hearted. Give them a hug, a card, a smile, an encouraging Word or a gift. Love gives. Love Never Takes A Holiday. Love God, your neighbor, and one another. John 13:34-35.
God is love. He wants us to show that love in our relationships with the “saved” and those who do not know Jesus Christ personally. We should live as a demonstration of His love, grace, mercy and truth so that we will glorify Him and so that someone may be saved, find hope, and know that the Lord and someone cares for them. Invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart to reveal areas where transformation needs to occur in you and in the church.
Significantly, the Lord wants us to walk in love so we can reach out and bless others – the hurting, the homeless, and the helpless and those persons grieving from the loss of loved ones, relationships, jobs, and facing change. Let’s be sensitive as to how we show love for one another. Bear one another’s burdens (E.g. Galatians 6:2) “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32). Speak without accusing. James 1:19. Genuine love is not easily offended; it does not hold a grudge; it does not place expectations or demands on others; it is not conditional. Love is an action word.
Pray:
- Confess to the Lord the ways you have not loved and honored the lost, your neighbor and family members.
• Ask the Lord to do a work in your heart that will release you from any spirit, thought or unforgiveness that blocks your relationship with those who do not know Jesus Christ, your neighbor and family members.
• Pray that the Holy Spirit will empower you to forgive and for each of you to forgive each other.
• Pray for healing of broken or embittered relationships.
• Pray for relationships with your children and that as a parent you will demonstrate that love with encouragement, time and healthy discipline.
• Pray that children will love, respect and obey their parents.
• Pray for the church to be a living force of love in the neighborhood, city and world.
• That you and the church will be known by your love for one another and for your love for those who are lost and do not know Jesus Christ.
• Pray that the church and you show your neighbor, those who do not know the Lord, and the world genuine love in word and in deeds.
• Pray for a deep love and respect between church members and also between family members. - Pray for those suffering from domestic abuse. Pray for deliverance, self esteem , way of escape, renewed mind. https://ladyofprayer.com/?p=958.
Pray for our children -against bullying and suicide.
Linda D. Fegins, “The Prayer Leader” ldfaygo@gmail.com; lindafegins@prayandactwrite.com copyright 2022