June 9th, 20

JUNE 10,  Be Strong by Being Loved

Today’s readings are Song of Solomon 1 – 4 and Ephesians 6.  We are reading from the New Living Translation.

Be strong.  Be loved.  The strength that you need to resist the enemy’s fiery attacks comes from God.  It’s not from us. All of the armor that he bequeaths to us:  the helmet, the shield, the shoes, the sword, the breastplate, – all of it – is a gift from a loving God.  So put on that loving armor, and be strong.  Paul tells us to be strong.  But the final words that he actually gives to us are, Be loved!  

Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph 6:23-24 NLT)

Be strong.  How are we to do that?  We do that by being loved, putting on the loving armor of our Lord, resting in the eternal grace that has been placed upon us.  

May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.

Be strong. Put on the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of God’s righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, lifting up the shield of faith, holding forth the sword of the Spirit.  These are loving gifts from a loving God, whose grace has been eternally placed on us.  

You can be strong because you have been loved.  Know this well, and let it’s truth sink deep into your heart, so that you can draw strength from it.

You are loved!