Always

I don’t know about you, but I’m not so good at “always.” Sometimes … usually … frequently. That’s more like the real picture. I may do a lot of things well and be fairly consistent, but I fail to be perfect in my endeavors. That’s the weakness of the flesh.

But Jesus, who lived in flesh, but did not have a sinful nature, was perfect. He didn’t always do the same things. Variety and creativity is in His personality. But He consistently modeled the right attitudes and actions. I think He loved surprising people with how he healed, with whom he spent time, and how He chose to show love.

When Jesus’ time on earth was finished, He gave His followers a challenge and a promise. “All power in Heaven and on earth has been given to me. You, then, are to go and make disciples of all the nations and baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you and, remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the world” (Matthew 28:18-20, J. B. Phillips).

The NewTestament teaches us to do all of that in love. Go, make disciples, teach, and remember. Love is always the motivating force. Love is the bottom line. Love for God and for others. Look how many times Paul uses the word “always” in his letter to the Corinthians that we call the “love chapter.”  “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (I Corinthians 13:6-7, NIV). I know that word “always” isn’t in every translation. But the verbs used there indicate a constantly active condition. So “always” seems appropriate and accurate.

“I am with you always,” Jesus said. What a precious promise! And His “always” means always. Doesn’t that encourage and empower you to let His love flow through you as you go about your work for Him today?