Strength from the inside is what we should all be yearning for. Strength on the outside is for show and understood by this world. Seeking to be understood by the world is futile. The righteousness that comes from inner strength will sustain us far longer and better. Becoming strengthened from the inside is something only Christ can do. It is when He lives on the inside of us that we are strengthened to be firmly planted in love. It is God’s desire for us to be established and foundationally built in love.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love.
Ephesians 3:16-17 NIV
We can have all the power in the world, but without love we don’t have anything. Everything that God gives us, even through His word, is meaningless if we do not hold these things with love. It is important for us to realize that the power that comes with the Lord’s word is not something we wield over others. It is a power that is gifted to us and meant to be shared in love with one another. When we do not share power, knowledge, and understanding with love we are unable to further the work God has for us. Love must be our main language. If we learn nothing else we must learn that love is what paves the way for all of God’s plans.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV
Considerations for your planner:
- Do you feel strengthened from the inside? Write down what internal and external strength look like to you.
- Have you led with love today? Write down what love looks like to you.
A Story of Leading with Love:
I grew up in a very disjointed family, where religious and spiritual views differed greatly. In fact, in many cases I do not think either of my parents truly understood what it meant to follow Christ. I think it was because they relied more on worldly knowledge rather than love.
This has been the greatest lesson I have learned in my walk with God. I started out feeling completely overwhelmed by the complexity of God, but when I realized it was as simple as leading with love my desire to be with Him grew. Learning more about His ways through His word continues to grow as I get to share it with so many. Not out of self righteous knowledge, but out of loving care to see others lives boosted and fortified in the spirit.
Knowing God’s word has made me so much more confident in my own path in life. I feel His love all the time with the reminders of the promises for my life. It has fueled my desire to share the good news that is God with everyone I meet. I want their lives to be as enriched and full as mine. It is through love that I overflow all the time with the Holy Spirit and want to share the love that fills me with all those around me.
- Anonymous
Strengthen the Christian Planner Family by sharing your experiences. We'd love to hear a story about God's work in your life. Use the form linked below to submit your story.
