In This Together: 10 Devotions on the Book of EphesiansНамуна

Perfect Order

Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. Ephesians 1:15 – 16 NLT

Paul’s heart was overwhelmed with gratefulness for the people who loved God and were, in turn, loving God’s people everywhere. That’s the perfect order for our lives. Love God, love people. It doesn’t matter where they live or where they worship. It doesn’t matter if we see eye to eye on worldly issues or how far apart we are on them. Love God, love people. It’s as simple as that, and sometimes, just as difficult. Every moment we spend defining or magnifying our differences is a moment stolen from love’s life-changing power.

Love leads. It leads people to believe in their infinite worth. It leads people to believe there is still light and hope in the darkness. It leads people to believe there is compassion, kindness, and goodness to be found—and it leads their hearts to the Source of them all. Love God, love people. Let it be our first thought when we start our day and the thing we’re remembered for when we’ve taken our last breath. Love is the only way to make an eternal difference in a temporal world—and we can make the biggest impact together.

I pray my heart is an overflowing vessel of love for You and everyone in my life, Lord.