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One Word that Always Applies

                 If I told you that I wanted to highlight one word from 1 Corinthians 13, you would probably guess that the word is “love”.  However, I want to focus on a different word.  “It (love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (verse 7).  I want you to think about the word “always”.
                Always is a huge a word!  Always is not “part of the time”, or “when I feel like it”.  Always means every time, in every situation, with everyone. 
                Always applies to a bunch of other qualities too.  A partial list indicates that that Christians are to always “abound in the work of the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58), rejoice (2 Corinthians 6:10), give thanks (Ephesians 5:20), glorify and honour Christ (Philippians 1:20), obey the teachings of God (Philippians 2:12), speak kindly (Colossians 4:6), do good to one another (1 Thessalonians 5:15) and be gentle to all (Titus 3:2).  Always!  Always does not give me an out.  It does not allow me to suspend my Christianity when I want to act like a jerk to someone.
Revelation 3:15-16 says, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I wish you were one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am going to spit you out of my mouth!” I am always shocked to read that Jesus would prefer us be completely against him (cold) than to be half in and half out (lukewarm).  Think about that for a minute.
                Now if you are thinking, “Boy!  That seems sort of harsh!  Why would God be so demanding?”, I have some good news for you:  Always applies to God as well!   God always loves (Psalm 139).  Jesus promised to be with his people always (Matthew 28:20).  God is always at work (John 5:17).  Jesus always speaks to God on our behalf (Hebrews 7:24-25). 
                God’s faithfulness makes us safe and secure.  We never have to wonder how he feels about us or where we stand with him.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  When his people, by his strength, live in a way that is consistent with God’s nature, we reflect that same security and hope to others. 
                And that always needed!

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