Family Verse

My husband found our family verse during the Easter Weekend. He purchased a plaque with the verse on it and decided to make it our family verse. Many people have verses in their house such as "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." I love that verse, but it is over-used. This verse is nice because it encompasses everything it needs to and is a good way to live our lives.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 "Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done with love."

Be on guard: Just because I am a Christian doesn't mean I will fall into temptation. Also, the enemy will attack those who are trying to do God's will. I need to be on guard and keep myself in prayer and meditation so that the enemy will have a harder time affecting me. Lastly, I should never let my guard down.

Stand true to what you believe: I know the truth and the Truth, Jesus Christ, will set me free from all bondage. I believe that Jesus is the only way to God because Jesus says, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man come to the Father but by me." I believe that "Jesus died on the cross for my sins and was buried and resurrected on the third day."

Be courageous: Sometimes, facing trials can be scary and it is easier to run than to face trials. "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me."

Be strong: When temptations come, I need to resist. Satan knows our weakness. Unfortunately, I have given in to temptations where I am weak. Being strong is not only conquering temptations, but doing what is right when everyone else is doing what is wrong. Gossip is a huge one. For the most part, I am pretty good at keeping secrets. But I would lie if I said I have never gossiped. Christians love to gossip in the name of prayer. "Did you know that Jane is having an affair? We need to pray for her." I have actually had this happen to me where a friend came up to me and was concerned about someone. I was upset because I didn't need to know this. If Jane (a made up name) wanted me to know, she would have told me. Being strong also means holding my tongue. So many times, I say stupid things that can be hurtful. Why can't I learn how to hold my tongue and just smile when another person does something stupid. But I have to say something.

And everything you do must be done with Love: Everything must be done in love or it is meaningless. 1 John 4:7-8 says, "Beloved, let us love one another. For love is of God and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God for God is love." The verse goes on to say that if you call yourself a Christian and do not love your brother than you are a liar. Ouch.