Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
The goal of this command is love, (which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.)
Summary: When Paul tells us that the goal of the command he has given to Timothy is love, he forces us to think deeply about what love is and who we are supposed to love.
Before we dive into a closer look at what Paul says in this verse, let’s step back for a moment to gain some perspective.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:5a – Commanded to Love”Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
Summary: Paul is giving advice to married couples, and while it may sound like he is stating the obvious, a closer examination shows us more of what he means.
I feel like all I need to say for this meditation is, “Yeah, husband, lighten up!” But it is more complicated than that, isn’t it?
“Love” is a word that is horribly overused in our society. The Greeks used many different words to describe various kinds of love. All of them were different!
Continue reading “Colossians 3:19 – True Love”Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Summary: Once again Paul points us to our central mission as believers: Showing God’s love to others.
Continue reading “Galatians 6:10 – Selfless Love”The acts of the flesh are obvious: … hatred, discord …
Summary: Paul points us to two ends of the same stick. On one end is a match and on the other a raging fire. If we can put out the match, the raging fire an be avoided.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:20b – The Acts of the Flesh Part III: An End to Discord”… rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Summary: Understanding Paul’s meaning is helped by clearing away what he is not talking about.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:13c – Three Groups”That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.
Summary: When we stop and think about it, Paul’s metaphor of a runner “cutting in” can teach us a lot about dealing with the distractions of our daily lives.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:8 – Distractions”The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Summary: Paul summarizes the essence of the gospel in this passage. Yet, as simple as it sounds, it is difficult to do.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:6b – Love and Conflict”For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.
Summary: Paul continues to prompt interesting questions about Christian life. “What has value for God?” is a question that opens the door to understanding God’s will better.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:6a – Blind Spot”So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
Summary: Paul is making a very important point. Whether we know it or not, we need to be part of God’s family. Paul helps us understand why that is important.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:7 – Loved”
… and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
Summary: What does Peter mean by “the” command? How many commands are there? What is a command anyway?
Continue reading “2 Peter 3:2b Part I — Deep Waters”