Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (v. 13)
I hope this series on biblical resolutions has encouraged you in living the Christian life. As you strive to engage in a spiritual discipline, live as a steward, rely on the Holy Spirit, and reflect a Christlike attitude, let’s close this series with some basic biblical resolutions that came from the lips of Jesus.
The first two come from the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37-40): Love God and love your neighbor (others) as yourself. First Corinthians 13 defines love and reminds us that love is the foundation we build upon.
Another command from Jesus came in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). Jesus instructed his followers to go and make disciples. Through our words, actions, attitude, and interactions, we are called to live as witnesses to Jesus Christ.
One further instruction of Jesus is to be salt and light (Matt. 5:13-16). Throughout history, salt has been used to preserve and give flavor. Light provides direction to help us see clearly; for example, nightlights, a lighthouse for ships, or airport runway lights. As we live for Jesus, we must be salt and light, preserving the truth of God’s Word and giving direction to those who are spiritually lost. In the year ahead, may God empower you by his Spirit to love him above all else, love the people he has placed in your life, fulfill the Great Commission, and live as salt and light.
As you pray, ask God to help you carry out each biblical resolution in the year ahead.
About the Author
Rev. Steve Petroelje is a specialized transition pastor who serves vacant churches and helps them assess health, pursue missional effectiveness, and conduct a pastoral search process. He is the past-president of the Words of Hope Board of Trustees.
