You are worried and burdened about many things, Beloved. You have so many hopes for this year, so many ways you want to do better and to be better. But I want you to focus your heart and mind on learning to love well this year. This includes learning to love yourself, in spite of your foibles and failings. Learning to love your husband more fully. Learning to love your children in the ways that they need. Learning to love your friends, and truly learning to love the unsaved.
"But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us." (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8)
I want you to learn to love others more and more. This is your mission. I know it costs you to invest in people, but trust Me in this. Of course you will say yes, because it is I who asks. You know it is best!
"And now may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all as we do..." (1 Thessalonians 3:12)
"You yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that is indeed what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more..." (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10)
Love people with the tender, unconditional love you have for your babies. Love people with patience and endurance. Love people more and more, as I myself teach you. This is not a command to just "do more stuff", but to tune into Me for direction on how to love people more. I will show you what is needful, and I will clear the way.
"Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in Christ and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves." (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
Beloved, as you let Me teach you, your love for others will increase. As you spend more time with the Lover, your love will increase. Trust Me in this. Love well!
"...your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing." (2 Thessalonians 1:3)
Love and faith go hand in hand.
