Britta Lafont

Britta Lafont

  • Home
  • Hi! I’m Britta
  • Read the Blog
  • Contact Me
  • My Books
  • Speaking

May 13, 2013 · Leave a Comment

Memory Verse Monday: May 13

Memory Verse Monday

Image credit: pkruger / 123RF Stock Photo

Image credit: pkruger / 123RF Stock Photo

Our family Memory Verse this week is Matthew 22:37-40:

Jesus replied: “‘˜Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘˜Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

I have found that if you want to live a life pleasing to the Lord, it can be very frustrating!  On the one hand, here Jesus has said there are only two things to worry about.  That seems easy enough.  Yet, He also said that all of the laws and the prophets hang on these two things…so these are not small things!  How do we do this??

Searching the Bible for answers can reveal so many “good” things to do.  It seems there are  endless words of wisdom in the Bible for us; and then it can be very overwhelming when we turn to look at our own pitiful attempts to lead a “good life”.

Me?  I am often just one computer glitch or traffic jam away from pulling my hair out…where is my patience?  At the end of too many days, I have a bowl of Blue Bell ice cream and – truth, here?  I am not training for a marathon – I don’t need the calories and I am not truly hungry…where is my self-control?  When I struggle to keep a good attitude because things don’t go according to my plans…where is my joy?

But the “Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).  I used to chase the Fruit of the Spirit, rather than the Spirit.  And a verse like this would be my measuring stick for the day.  And I always fell short.  This led to discouragement and despair, and with good reason: we were not made to do this on our own.

As Paul reminds us “None is righteous, no, not one…no one does good, not even one” (Romans 3:10, 12).  In fact, Christ says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in [your] weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9) and Paul agrees, saying “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:10).  Knowing our weakness, demonstrates our need for Him.

I think that the second part of Jesus’ answer tells us what it looks like when we love God above everything else.  Loving God, enables you to: Love your neighbor as yourself (v. 39).  We simply are not able to love others (which often requires love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) without God.

Too many people “love”, expecting something in return (like respect, honor, love, mercy, affection, kindness, etc.).  This is not love, because love is not transactional.  Love is an action and a free gift.  We know this because we see how Jesus loved.

I used to chase the Fruit of the Spirit, rather than the Spirit.  But then I learned, the hard way, that He was right all along.  I can’t do anything good without Him.  And so, as for me, the nearness of God is my good (Psalm 73:28).

How about it?  Can you feel the Lord singing over you (Zeph 3:17)?  Do you feel Him leading you beside still waters (Psalm 23:2)?  Remember how He redeemed your life from the pit (Psalm 103:4)?

He is good for us, and to us.  He is Worthy…worthy to receive praise and honor and glory (Rev 4:11)…and worthy of our love.  And loving Him, enables us to love others.

hugsignature

 

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Print

Related

Don’t miss out!

Previous Post: « Teaching the Word (part2)
Next Post: Family Wisdom. Proverbs 3:3-4 »

Reader Interactions

Tell me what's on your heart: Cancel reply

Footer

Curate: collect and display evidence of God's goodness.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Want to come with?

In my typical social media introvert fashion, I re In my typical social media introvert fashion, I realize I didn’t share Gracie’s post on my feed at the time. 🤦🏻‍♀️
We are so thankful for this young man. ❤️ We are so thankful for this young man. ❤️
When the first day of school is also the day your When the first day of school is also the day your firstborn drives herself to college, it’s a lot. We moved her stuff into her dorm last week. Today she got up early to say goodbye to Dad (too early! Not pictured 😂), her brother, her doggo, her piano, and her momma. Before she left, she made blueberry scones to share with her little bro @sjoshlafont —they homeschool and relocated together, went to @westminsteroakmtn together, and have shared a love of music, Legos, superheroes (and villains), Transformers, and so much more. She played my favorite song. She even made banana bread to bring to her new roomie. @graciethenerd You are my little nut brown hare, and I love you to the moon and back. Auburn University is a better place because you are there! ❤️
Josh just started working in the bakery at Publix. Josh just started working in the bakery at Publix. Today he got his braces off. I just can’t believe it—where did the time go? @sjoshlafont
I’m a social media introvert mostly, but I’m r I’m a social media introvert mostly, but I’m reflecting today and feeling grateful for my sweet girl, my baby, my first-born. 🥰 She sure is a blessing to our family and her friends. Also, so grateful for the wonderful school where she spent the last four years—the perfect place to land after years of homeschooling on the move. “For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” (Ps 100:5) #curatingthegood #graduated🎓 #wisebeyondheryears @graciethenerd @lafonte04 @westminsteroakmtn
Best Thanksgiving that I can remember. I am so gra Best Thanksgiving that I can remember. I am so grateful for my people!! 🤗 ❤️@graciethenerd @thecardboardqueen @lafonte04 
#Psalm8 #highlandlakes #birminghamalabama
My friend @amy_young1234 is so generous! She has f My friend @amy_young1234 is so generous! She has found a way to share her birthday with friends all year long. This past week, I had to privilege to be her #FOTW You can read about her plan to celebrate her birthday by celebrating others in the link to her blog at the end of this post. That’s SO like Amy. 🤗 https://www.messymiddle.com/52-cards-52-weeks-52-years/ #curatingthegood
  • Got Enough?
  • You Need THIS
  • Got Joy?
  • You’re Called to THIS
  • Got Good?
  • You Were Made for THIS

Copyright © 2025 · beloved theme by Restored 316

 

Loading Comments...
 

    loading Cancel
    Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
    Email check failed, please try again
    Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.