Friday
01-16-2026
By: Brenda
This is a devotional on how God calls us to treat one another. This is by request.
“Love in a Wounded World”
It is no secret that the world feels heavy. People are hurting, angry, divided, and often quick to wound each other with words, actions, or indifference.
But Scripture never leaves us without direction. God has always spoken into brokenness with a better way. Love…
This study is meant to remind us that even when the world feels “crappy,” God’s people can still shine.
1. Love is not just a feeling, it is a command, and a witness of everything God asks of us.
Matthew 22:37–39
Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbor as yourself.
When the world feels hateful. Remember that love is not based on how others act.
It is based on who God is, and we are His witness. Love is not optional.
2. Love is patient, kind, and refuses to mirror the world’s cruelty.
1 Corinthians 13:4–7
Paul describes love as patient, kind, humble, forgiving, and enduring.
This is a blueprint for how to treat people. Even difficult ones.
3. Every human carries God’s image.
Genesis 1:27
People may act evil, but they were created with divine worth.
We should respond with dignity, even when their behavior is disappointing or painful.
4. “If it is possible… live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18–21
Paul urges believers not to repay evil for evil, but to overcome evil with good.
We do not ignore injustice.
But we refuse to let the world’s darkness shape our character.
5. Our words can heal or harm.
Proverbs 18:21
“Life and death are in the power of the tongue.”
In a world full of harshness, our voice can be a refuge.
6. “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
1 John 3:18
Love is kindness, generosity, forgiveness, and compassion and lived out in real time.
7. “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples…”
John 13:34–35
Jesus said the world will recognize His followers by their love.
As the world grows darker, love becomes more noticeable. Our kindness is a testimony.
Every act of love we show is a seed of hope. Every gentle word we speak is a healing. Every moment we choose compassion over hate pushes back the darkness.
Ephesians 4:2
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Colossians 3:12–14
“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience… And over all these virtues put on love.”
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Philippians 2:3–4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition… but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”
Galatians 5:22–23
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Lets 8magine we are in the grocery store and someone cuts in front of us in line.
Our first reaction might be irritation or a sharp comment. But then we remember, “Love comes softly.” We take a breath. We choose patience. We offer a small smile instead of a harsh word.
We do not know what kind of day that person is having but we know the kind of person we want to be.
This example shows us that we should think before reacting. We should
choose kindness over irritation.
We should practice these scriptures in real life, and that love is expressed through action, not emotion.
“Sometimes we react too quickly, let frustration lead, or allowed hurt to shape our words. But today is a new day.
And God’s love invites us to slow down, breathe, and choose a better way.
Love simply asks us to try again, to soften our tone, to think before we speak, and to treat others the way we wish they would treat us. Love comes softly, one choice at a time.”
Love is a command, a calling, and a reflection of the God who loves us first.
Love comes softly… but it changes everything.
Oh, how God loves us ❤️
Dear Father in heaven,
In a world that feels heavy and harsh, teach us again how to love.
Soften our hearts where they have grown tired.
Open our eyes to see Your image in every person we meet.
Help us speak words that heal, not harm.
Give us courage to choose kindness when others choose cruelty, and strength to reflect Your heart even when the world feels dark.
Let Your love flow through us in ways that lift the weary, comfort the hurting, and remind others that goodness still lives.
Make us instruments of Your peace,
and let our lives shine with the same love that Jesus showed us.
In Your Son’s precious name, Amen.
Have a blessed day
God loves you ❤️
and so do I ❤️