“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭

Be watchful

If you are in an unsafe environment, you should keep your eyes open and your head on a swivel. We likewise should keep an eye on the things that are dangerous to us. Our sin, which tries to kill us all the time. The world, which tries to show us a “better way” than what God has shown us. Then lastly, the devil, the spiritual forces we can’t see, but who are always active.

Stand firm in the faith

Since Jesus has won the battle, our main job is to stand by in our faith. Every thought and action should be done in faith. And when we fail, we should repent in faith. It’s all about Jesus, not our strength. Either He saves us, or He does not.

Act like men (or encourage your man)

Men put in the work, they get things started, they keep things going. They provide what is needed, and they sacrifice what is needed. They keep going even when they can’t see and they have hope even when there is no reason too (well except for Jesus, because of Him there is ALWAYS hope).

Be strong

We are going to have to carry heavy loads. Physically, for sure, but more than that. We have to carry our own emotions and those around us, our own hurts and those around us. We have to be like Jesus who died for those who were against Him.

Let all that you do be done in love

This is the foundation of it all. Jesus loved us, and we are to love others. This is the greatest commandment. All other commandments find their end in this one. Sometimes love requires we be firm, sometimes to be gentle, either way love should be the heart of it.