Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

7 September 2025

Reading From I Corinthians 16

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love.”—I Corinthians 16:13-14

As boys and girls follow the ways of Jesus they will become strong and mighty men and women of valor. We don’t hear that word much anymore. Perhaps because it is so lacking in our culture. Valor is, according to Merriam-Webster, “strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery.” How we need more men and women of valor today!

As we remain vigilant, standing firm and strong in our faith, we must not think that we are to be cruel, unkind or insensitive. That isn’t what strength is. Strength is relying on the power of the same Spirit who bears the fruit of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. If we neglect functioning in love, then our valor will be in vain.

“God, You are Love and yet You are the strongest, most powerful Being in all the universe. Teach us Your ways. Show us how to stand strong and speak and live the truth in love. Thank You for being our perfect example of life and godliness. In the Name of our Lord Christ I pray these things. Amen.”

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.—Galatians 5:22-23