Tough Love

The verse for 6/23 is from Ephesians 6:23, "May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give our brothers and sisters peace and love along with faith."  GW

This is the way the apostle Paul concluded his letter to the Ephesians.  The crux of the letter was to help Christians in Ephesus be aware of who they were in Christ and to motivate them to live that out in their earthly walk.  We can learn a lot from Paul and from what he wrote to the Ephesians.  As Christians, we can put ourselves in their shoes.  Paul has already given us a recipe for success.  Why try to re-invent the wheel on how to live successful Christian lives?  My own opinion is that we all struggle with obedience.  Especially, when it's contrary to popular public behavior and opinion.  We'd rather do things our own way, even though it often leaves us in a mess.

So, as Paul puts his stamp and signature on this letter, we can be assured that there is wisdom and love therein.  I think taking Paul's words and advice to heart would behoove all of us.  I can think of nothing more satisfying than my Father and the Lord Jesus Christ giving me peace and love along with faith.  I am convinced that those things will occur in greater measure as I become increasingly more obedient to God and His ways.  Paul's message may be tough for some to hear, but it was written with love.