35. Our foundation…
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
What the world needs now is love, sweet love.
It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.
What the world needs now is love, sweet love.
No, not just for some, but for everyone.
Hal David and Burt Bacharach
I was an “almost” teenager back in the day when these song words were penned. “Love ins” were de rigeur and there was a sense that if we all just put on some hippy garb, went back to our roots, and loved then everything would be just fine. Fast forward to today and we see that this experiment of free love could not stand the test. We are a world at war yet again and the experiment failed.
So, what does Paul say about love in contrast to the free, happy-clappy, self-indulgent love of the sixties?
Notice that love is at the end of the sentence and not the beginning. First up Paul sets the scene for how we should live our lives – be on your guard, stand firm, be courageous, be strong. These are words that describe behaviours that put us in good stead for the battles we face in life. I can imagine Winston Churchill standing on the English beach speaking these words out to a nation at war. These are not play words, they are not lovey-dovey – they are what we need in a world that has rejected its maker.
But then comes “do everything in love” – yes, we must be brave and strong, be wary and cautious. We must stand firm in our faith wearing God’s armour (Ephesians 6) but if we do this without love we become just like the extremists who go out and murder innocent people, we become hard and unforgiving, fanatical and full of hatred.
Before we put on the armour of God we must be wearing the foundation garments of love. We all know how important undergarments are – not seen but providing the support and protection enabling us to be comfortable in the outer garments which can be harsh, stiff, rough against our skin. First put on love for God, for our neighbour, for our enemy, then, in that love, prepare for the battle. Only then will we see the results that are needed and, at the same time, remain protected and supported. Only then will we begin to turn our world towards God (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Prayer: Your love is the equivalent of the most exquisite but functional foundation garments, covering me, protecting me, supporting me as I put on the outer garments so I can be strong, courageous, and stand firm in the battles I face. May your love flow over me right now as I prepare for whatever my day holds. May your love protect and support me and permeate all my interactions flowing on to those around me.
Amen
Action: Today, as you dress, ponder what it looks like, feels like, to put on love first before you exit the bedroom and go into your day and then take up God’s love, put it on, and step out in the comfort, protection and support of his love.
Journal your thoughts…
