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Before his death, Jessica’s grandfather was known to frequently say, “Whatever is not conceived and carried out in love will surely fail.” Aren’t those profound words? It reminds me of when the Proverb writer said to his son, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3:3) He was saying essentially the same thing as Jessica’s grandfather: keep loving, remain faithful, and success will take care of itself. The Apostle Paul said it this way, “Love never fails.” If love never fails, then victory must be guaranteed whenever we conceive and carry out our plans from a place of authentic love.

To live up to these words would probably be a good New Year’s resolution for most of us (it certainly would be for me). And it should be a doable resolution since love is the natural byproduct of a genuine, Christian life. Even as we reflect on Christ’s amazing love for us this Christmas season, let’s commit to funneling that same love in to the world around us in 2011 and beyond.