Grace on the Door – Janis Van Keuren

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV

     A heart-shaped wreath wrapped in love and twined with flowers of variegated pinks and white graces our front door. But does this symbol of love grace the door to my heart each day? It is a thought I am pondering each day.
     Does wholesome talk come out of my mouth at every circumstance and situation? Do I say only that which is helpful for the building up of others according to their needs? Is my heart’s desire to benefit those who listen? (Ephesians 4:29)
     One day of the year is set aside to shower another with affections, kind words, and demonstrations of love. However, Christ calls us to love one another each day.

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than to lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:11&12 NIV

I don’t think many of us would think of Valentine love as one that would prompt us to give our lives for another~except possibly the giving of our lives in marriage totally to our spouse. On the humorous side, I wonder if listening to ESPN 24/7 while having the drone of a sports announcer in the background, mumbling the moves of an athlete on the playing field (of any sport) counts as a dying love?
As I put the heart-shaped candies out and decorate the chocolate cake with swirls of love, I pray my heart will recall the Scripture passage we had read at our wedding:

     “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14 NIV

     Where is your heart this holiday?

May your Valentine’s Day be filled with Christ’s love, and may His love spill over from our lives to those around us.

From My Heart to Yours,

Joining others with thoughtful devotions at Spiritual Sundays and a Scripture and a Snapshot.

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Comments

Grace on the Door — 9 Comments

hip-chick on February 13, 2011 at 6:12 am said:

I posted Ephesians 4:32 as well. It’s one of my favorites.
S. Etole on February 13, 2011 at 10:12 am said:

The soft lighting on your candlestick is beautiful. And so are the thoughts that you have shared. You share His love well.
Mildred on February 13, 2011 at 10:46 am said:

Such a beautiful post. Blessings to you and yours this Valentine’s Week.
sarah on February 13, 2011 at 2:00 pm said:

Nice post. Like the pretty candlesticks.
MTJ on February 13, 2011 at 4:32 pm said:

Hi Janis,

Thank you for these precious words that remind me that love is a 24×7 comittment of my life to God and others. I’m often reminded how easy it is to love myself (thank You Holy Spirit). It is that reminder that reveals the quality and measure of love I must give God and others.

Sending you and family a Happy Valentine’s Day.

Blessings and peace.

MTJ
Sharon Kirby on February 13, 2011 at 7:46 pm said:

My heart is focused on the Love of God, displayed through His Son Jesus, and brought to my heart by His Holy Spirit.

How thankful I am for this love – God’s 24/7 love. I’m asking Him to help me love others in a way that they can see Jesus in me.

Happy Valentine’s Day and GOD BLESS!
Whidbey Woman on February 13, 2011 at 6:40 pm said:

That heart shaped wreath is absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for also sharing the lovely scriptures with us. A very blessed Spiritual Sunday and Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
Charlotte on February 15, 2011 at 8:33 pm said:

A great post on love. The pictures are beautiful. Thank you, Janis, for sharing with us again on Spiritual Sundays.
Blessings,
Charlotte
Pamela on February 15, 2011 at 7:13 pm said:

I love the John 15 verses. The picture is amazing and I like the question, “Does this symbol of love grace my heart?” Worth thinking about.