1 Timothy 4:12 Summary

1 Timothy 4:12- "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."


Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young-

"Today we live in a culture that promotes comfort, not challenges. Everything is about finding ways to escape hardship, avoid pain, and dodge duty. In the past, young people were expected to make significant contributions to society. Today, our culture expects very little from teens- not much more than staying in school and doing a few chores. A sad consequence of such low expectations is that life-changing lessons go unlearned." -Chuck Norris

Proverbs 31:8-9 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."


Be an example to all believers-

If there is anyone in your life that needs strengthening spiritually, be an example for them! Continue to follow God's guidance, and put their needs above your own. Then you will be an example for that believer. As iron sharpens iron, one man can sharpen another.

Isaiah 58:11- "The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."


In what you say-

"1. Listen more; speak less

2. Choose your words carefully

3. Break the habit of blurting out anything and everything that comes to your mind.

4. Watch the volume of the tone of voice you use.

5. USE YOUR TONGUE TO BUILD UP, NOT TEAR DOWN."

-Dare 2 B Wise

2 Timothy 1:13- "Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus."


In the way you live-

What can people tell about you from the way you live your life? They can tell you like music if you are constantly seen with your i Pod playing. If you are always reading, they can tell that it's pretty much your thing. Think about this: Can people tell that you are a Christian simply by the way you live your life?

Philippians 2:14-16- "Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.


In your love-

Can people see a difference in your love than in the way others love? Maybe you talk to someone who is lonely, maybe you hold your tongue when you are tempted to gossip, maybe you stop yourself from flirting constantly with boys. Whatever you do, keep doing it! Keep living up to God's high standards, and finding more ways to stand out for the truth. :)

"One way to live out love is to be kind to everyone that comes across your path, because everyone carries a burden." -Stefanie Hampton

1 John 3:18-19 "Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God."


In your faith-

Please have faith! It is a wonderful thing. By faith, you can be saved. By faith, your heart can be changed. Faith can give you the motivation to repent of your sins. In simplest terms, faith is (according to the dictionary) confidence or trust in a person or thing. So, faith is trusting God to know what's right. It's taking your sins to the cross, laying your crown at His feet, and trusting Him to make things right.

Romans 5:1-2 "Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory."


In your purity-

There is one thing that God has to say about sexual impurity- RUN FROM IT. Media and the world around you tell you anything but to stay pure. Set high standards for yourself, stay away from things that will break those standards down, and live them out.

Psalm 119:9-11 "How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you- don't let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

Philippians 4:8- "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."


-Jenna Hampton
with many others, and blessing from Jesus :)

In Your Purity

1 Timothy 4:12- "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and YOUR PURITY."

"As much as I've read God's love letter, I've seen only two places where He says in exactly these words, 'This is God's will for you...' He couldn't be more directly to the point when He says, 'Hey guys, you've gotta get this straight. Sexual immorality- any sex outside marriage- is a huge mistake. Don't do it. Whether in the mind, with the fingertips, or directly to the point, don't engage in sex... yet!" -Joe White in Pure Excitement. There is one thing that God has to say about sexual impurity- RUN FROM IT. Media and the world around you tell you anything but to stay pure. Set high standards for yourself, stay away from things that will break those standards down, and live them out.

2 Timothy 2:22- "Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts."

Think about a clean, pure glass of water. That's like you, the way God intended you to be. Pure, clean, and usable. The world, however, tries and tries to make you dirty. If you give in to the temptation even once, your purity is ruined. Even one clump of mud in a glass of water makes it impure. Even one time loses your virginity. Even one bad movie ruins your clean mind. Even one bad song ruins your pure thoughts. One bad friend, one bad influence, one cigarette.

Psalm 119:9-11 "How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you- don't let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

"He paints the original, and He alone can repaint the portrait and remount it in a more secure frame, the cost of which is a gold wedding band." -Joe White. Since none of us are perfect, and never will be, it is important to always remember the fact that Jesus was sent to pay the price of our purity. If you have ever messed up (which you have) if you have ever sinned (which you have), you can be made pure! You can be made pure as silver, white as snow. God is good!

Matthew 26:41- "Keep watch and pray, so that you do not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!"

Philippians 4:8- "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

-Jenna Hampton
with Joe White and the Holy Spirit

In Your Faith

1 Timothy 4:12- "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, YOUR FAITH, and your purity."

Matthew 17:20- "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."

There are so many things to say about how to live out your faith. Faith is held very high in God's eyes, and he loves those who honestly believe in His name, without having seen Him with their own eyes or felt Him with their own hands.

It's hard to understand the verse about moving mountains. But God tells us that if we have even a tiny amount of faith, and we pray for something meaningful to happen, then by His power, He will do it for us. The problem is, we often pray that He will move a huge mountain, and we expect Him to do it very quickly. Look at the mountain ranges and hills! God has shaped, formed, and destroyed them, but never quickly. Faith and patience go hand in hand. If you keep believing your mountain will be moved, even when you don't notice any change, nothing will be impossible for you.

Romans 5:1-2 "Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory."

Please have faith! It is a wonderful thing. By faith, you can be saved. By faith, your heart can be changed. Faith can give you the motivation to repent of your sins. In simplest terms, faith is (according to the dictionary) confidence or trust in a person or thing. So, faith is trusting God to know what's right. It's taking your sins to the cross, laying your crown at His feet, and trusting Him to make things right.

So keep aiming toward the goal! Keep knowing that God is good, and that He only wants what is best for you, and also for the Kingdom of Heaven. Work on showing your faith in God by not worrying about your life, your sins, or the people around you. Obey Him, and even the bad will be good!

Jeremiah 29:11- "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

-Jenna Hampton
with much prayer and help from God

In Your Love

1 Timothy 4:12- "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, IN YOUR LOVE, your faith, and your purity.

John 15:12-14 "This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends."

Here are three questions to ask yourself daily: (Write them down somewhere)

• What does the world say about love?
• What does God say about love?
• Which type of love does my life show?

The answer to the first question is pretty simple. Worldly views of love include the "butterflies in my stomach" feeling, a parent/child love (family), and physical "love". Teenagers, especially, chase after the approval of boys, because the importance of romantic love is way over-advertised. Mostly, the type of love that the world tells us to show ultimately ends in emptiness.

If you have ever read my blog before, you know what God says about love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 are the guidelines to loving others. When you shine out for God by loving others, He highly rewards you. In easy times, loving your neighbor more than yourself isn't hard. The difference between God's love and the world's is that God keeps on loving, even when it's hard.

So, which one are you? Can people see a difference in your love than in the way others love? Maybe you talk to someone who is lonely, maybe you hold your tongue when you are tempted to gossip, maybe you stop yourself from flirting constantly with boys. Whatever you do, keep doing it! Keep living up to God's high standards, and finding more ways to stand out for the truth. :)

"One way to live out love is to be kind to everyone that comes across your path, because everyone carries a burden." -Stefanie Hampton

1 John 3:16- "We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters."

1 John 3:18-19 "Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God."

-Jenna Hampton

with Stefanie Hampton and God!

In The Way You Live

1 Timothy 4:12- "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, IN THE WAY YOU LIVE, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

What can people tell about you from the way you live your life? They can tell you like music if you are constantly seen with your i Pod playing. If you are always reading, they can tell that it's pretty much your thing. Think about this: Can people tell that you are a Christian simply by the way you live your life?

2 Corinthians 6:6- "We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love."

2 Corinthians 6:6 tells us several different ways that we can prove we are Christians. By being pure, we show that we want to fulfill the high standards God has for us. Understanding and wisdom come only from God, so if you are full of wisdom, people will know why. If you are patient and kind, you will be loving sincerely, not like the world tells you too, and people will appreciate it. The best way that others can tell that you have God's Spirit inside of you is if you put God first, others second, and yourself last.

Philippians 2:14-16- "Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless."

Don't choose to live in darkness! Jesus is a source of eternal life. If you know Him, rejoice! Let His love for you shine out to others so that they will have hope. The only way to have forever-lasting hope is to accept the eternal love that God has for you, and forever have faith. God is good!

-Jenna Hampton

Inspriational Poem

I was going to write the next part of my blog today, but due to the fact that my finger has been crushed in a door, I can't type very well! So, I have decided to share a poem that I wrote for a girl in my 7th hour class. It applies to so many people...

You wonder why kids in our grade can't see
Your wonderful heart, your mind, your beauty
They make it a point to treat you bad
Their hatred and violence make you mad
Maybe it's simply their immaturity
Or possibly their insecurity
You think they don't know the pain they cause you
But the same hurt you feel is the hurt they feel too
Everyone's heart has a hole to fill
They try to fill it with kisses and thrills
But still they're empty; still they're sad
And everyone still treats their neighbor bad
So where is the love? Where is the good?
What part of this life have we misunderstood?
I've learned that the shape of the hole is not round
The thing that goes in it is not on Earth's ground
There's a God-shaped hole in you and me
We own spirits meant for eternity
Life isn't about our sinful desires
It's given to us so we can be on fire
For the glory of God, for His wonderful love
Our eyes are meant to see what's above
To take on His spirit can change your heart
From this world, you'll be set apart
The hole in your heart will go away
You won't be anxious, for you can pray
You'll be filled with love for those who hate
They'll notice a change and appriciate
The way you act and who you are
Small acts of kindness can go so far
You'll be satisfied when you're "born again"
Your emeies will be your friends
If darkness surrounds you during the night
Call on God, for He is light
Promise to serve Him with all of your days
And His angels will guard you in all of your ways
Your question to the world was simply, why?
God has helped me to write this reply

-Jenna Hampton with help from God

What You Say

1 Timothy 4:12- "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in WHAT YOU SAY, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

The next part of 1 Timothy 4:12 goes straight into ways to be an example to others. What you say is very important when you are trying to live like Christ. Cussing, gossiping, arguing, and put-downs are very basic speech rules, but are sometimes difficult to follow. Many of us have a hard time with listening to others. That type of problem stems from many different things, including selfishness.

Proverbs 18:4- "The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook." Guard the words of your mouth so that they bubble over with wisdom and bless the lives of all people you come into contact with.

"1. Listen more; speak less

2. Choose your words carefully

3. Break the habit of blurting out anything and everything that comes to your mind.

4. Watch the volume of the tone of voice you use.

5. USE YOUR TONGUE TO BUILD UP, NOT TEAR DOWN."

-Dare 2 B Wise

Proverbs 11:13- "He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter." If you want your friends to trust you, don't tell their secrets! Also, don't force them to tell you their secrets. Kindness comes back around.

Proverbs 26:18-19 "Like a madman shooting fireballs or deadly arrows is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, 'I was only joking!'"

2 Timothy 1:13- "Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus." What do you listen do? How does it affect what you say and think about?

God's Word says a lot about the way our speech should be. Building someone up is always better than breaking them down. Learning to think before you speak is one of the best ways you can live a Godly life, and love others.

Today, when you want to say something negative or hurtful, say something nice to whoever is around at the time. It will have much better results. Keep measuring up to God's Word, and overcoming evil with good.

God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason! :)

-Jenna Hampton

with Dare 2 B Wise. (and much help from God again)

Be An Example To All Believers

1 Timothy 4:12- "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. BE AN EXAMPLE TO ALL BELIEVERS in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

The first part of this verse tells us not to let anyone think less of us because we are young. Being young physically is not all that it is talking about. It can also mean being young spiritually. Those who are young spiritually are very pure and filled with the Spirit. Joy is found all over their faces and their lives! Even though they are young, their joy is an example for other believers to follow. In the same way, when we trust God and act out the things He tells us to do, we are an example to other believers. God's people are a spark in the dark!

John 8:12- "Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, 'I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."

Last year, I tried to help some of my close friends become Christians. I talked with them about it, and they kind-of believed. But the way I lived my life was not right. I put myself first, God second, and others last. My selfishness partly caused them to fall away from God instead of getting closer. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control should have been shown in my life.

If there is anyone in your life that needs strengthening spiritually, be an example for them! Continue to follow God's guidance, and put their needs above your own. Then you will be an example for that believer. As iron sharpens iron, one man can sharpen another.

Isaiah 58:11- "The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."

He is risen! :)

-Jenna Hampton (With much help from God.)

Don't Let Anyone Think Less Of You Because You Are Young

1 Timothy 4:12- "DON'T LET ANYONE THINK LESS OF YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE YOUNG. Be and example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

On Google, I just tried to find a great story that would inspire me about what most people think about Christian teens. What I found wasn't exactly that inspiring. While drugs, sex, dating, and addicitons are big topics that need to be addressed for Christian teens, that is not all we are capable of learning about. God has called us to take a stand for those who are lost. He has called us to hunger for wisdom and to shine like a lamp, no matter what age we are. Christian teens should be seen as eagles among a flock of crows, reaching for the honor and glory of a Holy God.

Proverbs 31:8-9 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

"Today we live in a culture that promotes comfort, not challenges. Everything is about finding ways to escape hardship, avoid pain, and dodge duty. In the past, young people were expected to make significant contributions to society. Today, our culture expects very little from teens- not much more than staying in school and doing a few chores. A sad consequence of such low expectations is that life-changing lessons go unlearned." -Chuck Norris

Today, I am challenging you. Whatever you are passionate about (writing, leading, reading, talking, singing, making friends) do it for God. Put your heart into it and find ways you can use your talents for His glory. Don't let anyone trick you into thinking that you are too young to make a difference, or that standing up for what you believe in is dumb. God has given you two legs to stand with, and it's your job to make them stand for His glory.

The sky's the Limit! *Leave a comment about what you want to do for the challenge that I have given you.

-Jenna Hampton

with Chuck Norris

Love Endures Through Every Circumstance

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "LOVE in patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and ENDURES THROUGH EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE."

Keep going... keep going... keep going... keep going........ If you have ever ran a long way or done something very tiring, you know the painful feeling of just wanting to QUIT! To finish a race and do your very best, the only thing you can do is not let the thought of stopping ever cross your mind! One thing that came to my mind yesterday when I ran 2 miles was, "Run for as long as you can't." If you think you can't continue, keep going. Eventually, you will have accomplished much more than you hoped in the beginning. That's the way it is with love.

"Love that doesn't endure isn't really love. Its easy to say you love someone, but if they were to reject you, turn their back on you, and never talk to you again, would you still love them?
Isn't that how we treat God? And yet, he still loves us." -Zach Sumner

Words are cheap. Many of us say "I love you", without really meaning it. Love, according to the Bible, is an action. It is more than a feeling when it is truly love. 1 Corinthians says Love endures though every circumstance. Your friend was talking behind your back? Keep loving them. Your parents got divorced? Keep loving them. Your sibling is rude and mean to you? Keep loving them. No one is perfect, not even you. Treat others the way that you want to be treated.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me--the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on the day of his return."

God puts us through tough things sometimes. But God, who is the creator, director, author, artist, and mastermind of the universe does not do anything without reason. Every circumstance He puts us through is to teach us something. Ask Him to show You what He is teaching You, and learn from all of Your circumstances! Through everything- Let love remain.

1 Corinthians 13:13- "Three things will last forever- faith, hope, and love- and the greatest of these is love."

-Jenna Hampton
with Zach Sumner

God Is Love

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about in justice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

1 Corinthians 13:13- "Three things will last forever- faith, hope, and love- and the greatest of these is love."

*If you want to read more on love, read 1 John. It is about how God is love, and how to shine for Him.




This is a blog that I wrote for English Class about love. I think it's a good summary:

LOVE

By- Jenna Hampton

Love is a word with countless explanations. In America, it is one of the strongest motivators and it has a very large effect on everyday life. It seems that Americans, teenagers, and Christians all have very different views on the way love should be in life. So, what is the true definition?

In the dictionary, love is described as this:

1. A profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

2. A feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend

3. Romantic passion or desire

Dictionaries have hit the nail on the head for the general idea of love in America. Love is a feeling that can't be controlled, and gives you warm passion. Also, people think that love is necessary. That idea is strongly encouraged by T.V. shows, music, movies, and novels that tell you without romantic love, you will never be complete. As adults get older, they start to believe that love doesn't last. America's divorce rate is the highest in the world, compared to Puerto Rico's in second and Russia's in third. If love is such a strong feeling, why
can't people stay together?

Teenagers think they know love, but they are looking for it in all the wrong places. At a young age, they have a good understanding of romantic love, but are often disrespectful to parents, family, and friends. It seems like they are spitting on the love that people close to them have. The teen pregnancy rate in the U.S. is the highest in the world, with the U.K. and New Zealand noticeably far behind in 2nd and 3rd. School is not a top priority for teens "in love". More important, teens that are heartbroken, feel insecure, or think they aren't good enough believe that all is lost. They twist their views of love and turn to hate, homo-sexuality, and sometimes become severely depressed. In 2001, teen suicide was the 3rd leading cause of death among young adults and teens 15 to 24.

Americans and teens try to grasp love the best they can, however, according to the Bible, they have it all wrong. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." Christianity is partly based on the fact that love is an action, and therefore the general idea is that actions speak louder than words in the case of love. People around the world are submitting to the kind of love described in 1 Corinthians everyday by loving their families, friends, and neighbors above themselves. Salvation Army, World Vision International, Bread for the World, Church World Service, Tearfund, and Lutheran World Relief are just a few Christian charities that are spreading the Word of God through love and all that it can truly accomplish. Anyone who is desperate for love (as many people are in the world) should know what their creator has done for them. John 3:16- "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, so who should ever believe in Him, will not perish but have everlasting life." No one can argue that Christ is the greatest display of love that the world has ever seen.

Love is definitely very powerful. Just the thought of it sells movies, brings teens to their knees in joy or pain, and changes people's lives for the better. Without love there would be no hate, but without hate or love, what would we be? People are in desperation daily, suffering from loneliness and depression. Everyone is looking for love, but only those who find it in Christ and have a relationship with God, the creator of love, know what its true definition.

LOVE NEVER FAILS. <3

Love Never Loses Faith Or Hope

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, NEVER LOSES FAITH, is always HOPEFUL, and endures through every circumstance."

Faith, hope, and love are tied very close together. A great verse to show that bond is 1 Corinthians 13:13. It says, "Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love." The Bible tells us that to love someone through our actions, we must always have faith and hope in them. So, what does that look like?

Synonyms for FAITH: Acceptance, assurance, belief, certainty, and confidence.

Synonyms for HOPE: Ambition, anticipation, assumption, belief, and promise.

"Hope is what you've got left when nothing else is working out right. Taking it to God in prayer, removes the obstacles of alone-ness and worry. If He'll take care of the lilies of the field, He will take care of you." -swinter5

"He who has faith has... an inward reservoir of courage, hope, confidence, calmness, and assuring trust that all will come out well - even though to the world it may appear to come out most badly." -B.C. Forbes

Sin and temptation are constantly pulling at everybody's faith and hope. "I'll never be able to do this." We think. "I just don't know how to trust God when I don't know what will happen." We say. Believing that God is in control is one thing. KNOWING that He is in control is another. His Word tells us that through Him, all things are possible. To love Him, we must obey Him. To obey Him, we must have faith and hope.

2 Timothy 1:7- "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."

Faith and hope share one common synonym- Belief. Just as you believe that you will be able to get up and walk tomorrow morning, take in a deep breath, or talk when you want to, believe in the things that God can do through you. Everyone can make a difference. If you are truly a changed person in Christ, you have already made an impact. Keep believing! Also, believe in the people around you, and never stop loving them. God gives us great rules to live by!

1 Corinthians 12:31- "So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all."

-Jenna Hampton

with swinter5 and B. C. Forbes

Love Never Gives Up

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. LOVE NEVER GIVES UP, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

Never giving up is a concept that no one can truly understand, except God. He never gives up on us, and we should never give up on Him. It's very easy to underestimate Him and lose our patience. Just remember that God has a reason for everything and will reward you greatly if you don't give up!

"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be. You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know me. You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint. You'd not know the power that I give to the faint. You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair; You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there. You'd not know the joy of resting in me. When darkness and silence are all you can see... You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee, what it means that My grace is sufficient for thee. Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true, but, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you. So be silent, my child, and in time you will see that the greatest of gifts is to truly know me. And though oft my answers seem terribly late, my most precious answer of all is still... WAIT." -From the poem 'Wait' by Russell Kelfer

One of the best ways to love by not giving up is to think of each day as a battle. If you try your best to obey the Lord, even if you fail, than the battle is won and things will get better. If you follow your own will, than the battle is lost and things will get worse. Soldiers in battle have a command to never give up until the war is won. Your purpose for God is your war. Never give up on your life, or the people in it. "No course is lost if there is but one man willing to fight for it." -Captain Jack Sparrow

Galatians 6:9- "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the right time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

-Jenna Hampton
with Russell Kelfer and Captain Jack Sparrow

Love Rejoices Whenever The Truth Wins Out

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient and kind. LOVE is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice, but REJOICES WHENever THE TRUTH WINS OUT. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

What does rejoicing mean or look like? The dictionary says:
1. To be glad; take delight
2. To make joyful; gladden
God loves us very much, and He often does things for us that make us rejoice. To love Him, it is very important to thank Him and rejoice when He does something awesome for us. (it happens a lot!)

Philippians 4:4-6 "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again- rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done."

Keep striving everyday to know the Lord's truth and to learn more of His Word. Always rejoice and have faith that God will be faithful! Shine like a light in the dark, be a wise person in a group of fools. I think the Newsboys have rejoicing down in their song, 'Wherever We Go'.

"Wherever we go, the bluebirds sing, and the flowers bloom, and the grass gets green. It's a curious thing, but it's just our thing. Wherever we go, the bees behave in the treetops, squirrels smile and wave. It's a curious thing, and it's humbling. Wherever we go, little glow-worms glow, little roadrunners run ahead. Gonna tell their friends, little mice, little men. Get em' all excited, all invited." -Newsboys

One thing I've always heard is count your blessings, not your setbacks. It works! Instead of thinking about all the things that are wrong in your life and your relationships, pray that God will take care of those issues, and rejoice about the things that are good.

Psalm 51:6- Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place."

-Jenna Hampton
with the Newsboys

Love Keeps No Record Of Being Wronged

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it KEEPS NO RECORD OF BEING WRONGED. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

"My feelings are not puffed about with every attempt to move them. My temper would perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion once lost is lost forever." -Mr. Darcy (from Pride and Prejudice)

Mr. Darcy is not acting very loving, is he? Once someone offends him, he says that they cannot easily win him back. Is that the way we should act? No! God is very merciful and forgiving to us. The Bible tells us that if we ask for His forgiveness, he is faithful and just to fogive us our sins. As far as the East is from the West and as deep as the ocean is wide is how far away he takes our sins from us.

Matthew 18:21-22 "Then Peter came up and said to him, 'Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.'"

Many times we don't even know that we are keeping records of others' wrongs. We assume that people will always act the way they have acted before, and therefore don't often see when they are trying to change for the best. Look around you today. If there is anyone you have neglected to forgive, forgive them as Christ has forgiven you. If there is someone who has hurt you in the past, give them another chance. They may surprise you!

Proverbs 18:19- "An offened friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars."

"It's better, no doubt, to handle problems with friends and family before they blow up into something greater. Compared with letting a dispute simmer, settling the matter early can be as easy as walking through an open gate. Perhaps that's a gate you can take advantage of today." -Dare 2 B Wise

Please forgive others, because God forgave you! Everyone is a sinner, and has fallen short of God's standard. Love never fails. If there is someone you are trying to win back today, make sure you come to them with forgiveness in your heart.

Ephesians 5:32- "Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."

-Jenna Hampton

with Mr. Darcy and Dare 2 B Wise

Love Does Not Rejoice About Injustice

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "LOVE is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It DOES NOT REJOICE ABOUT INJUSTICE but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.



"Love and justice go hand in hand- you can't have one without the other. Justice without love is cruelty, and love without justice is a permissive, anything goes attitude." -Zach Sumner

God is the ultimate judge. The only way to REALLY know the things that are right and wrong is to read His Word! So, what does 1 Corinthians mean when it says that 'love does not rejoice about injustice?' It can relate to a few different things. One way we can look at it is that we don't just think it's okay when we sin against God. Such as, "I love you God... I went to a crazy party and did things that I shouldn't have last night... but it's okay because I still love you."

Proverbs 28:13- "He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."

God is just, so there's no way of fooling Him. Since He sent His Son to die for us on the cross, He is able to forgive us for our sins, putting the punishment on Christ. The sacrifice of God's Son for us is an atonement for our sins, and it shows that God believes in justice and doing what it right.

Proverbs 28:5, 7- "Evil people don't understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand completely." "Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents."

Unfortunately, most of our society glorifies sin. Media treats sin like a frozen meal. Frozen meals look great on the packages. Looking at the package in the store makes your mouth water for the good meal shown in the picture. Even more, the low price and the convincing words on commercials push you to buy into frozen meals time after time. We all know how the story ends, though. The meal you get is nothing like the meal in the picture, and the consequences are not exactly what you had in mind.

In the same way, T.V., music, and word or mouth can make sin look very appetising. But just like the food in the picture compared to what it really is, sinning never turns out right. If we act a certain way, we get praised for it, even if doing whatever we did wasn't very honorable. The problem with all of this is that God says it's wrong! He loves us, and He will not pretend that doing the wrong thing is good.

Continue striving to live up to God's standard, and stand for the RIGHT thing. If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything. Rejoice about justice, rejoice about love.

-Jenna Hampton
with Zach Sumner

Love Is Not Demanding Or Irritable

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient and kind. LOVE IS NOT jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not DEMAND its own way. It is not IRRITABLE, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

"Love is hard to offend and quick to forgive. How easily do you get irritated and offended? When under pressure, love doesn't turn sour. Minor problems don't yield major reactions. The truth is, love does not get angry or hurt unless there is a legitimate and just reason in the sight of God." -The Love Dare


Irritability connects with rudeness in a sense. Usually, people don't act rude unless they are irritated, right? So, how do we prevent ourselves from getting irritated? Be patient! If you have patience, you will not become easily irritated, and therefore will not have the urge to be rude.

Proverbs 16:32- "Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city."

God never demands His own way. He believes in encouragement and kindness and faithfulness. He is quick to love and slow to anger, or get irritated. It is tough not to be demanding, but after all, life isn't Burger King- You can't always 'have it your way'! God knows what He's doing. Who are we to question Him? He calls us to obey Him and to be patient with those we love.

"Here's a good example. If you asked a friend to clean up your house for you, and they did, but it wasn't really exactly how you wanted it, shouldn't you still thank them? You should not get irritated easily with someone, especially if they had good intentions or were trying to do something nice." -Stefanie Hampton

Think of these two scenarios:
A- You come to your parents demanding that they let you go to a concert with your friends because they never let you do ANYTHING, and all of your friends get to do whatever they want.
B- You help your parents out with chores on Friday afternoon, then come to your parents, tell them about a concert that you heard about, ask them nicely if you can go, and be happy with whatever they say.

Scenario B will get you almost anything you want, if you are being genuine. Why? Because love does not demand its own way, and it is also not irritable. Love never fails. God never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:13- "Three things will last forever- faith, hope, and love- and the greatest of these is love."

-Jenna Hampton
with The Love Dare and Stefanie Hampton

Love Is Not Rude

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient and kind. LOVE IS NOT jealous or boastful or proud or RUDE. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

Love is not rude is a very obvious statement! It should be easily followed as well, right? That's not always the case. Well, what does being rude mean exactly? The top five synonyms for the word rude are- abrupt, abusive, bad-mannered, barbarian, and graceless. All of us can admit to acting like that a few times each week.

"This phrase reminds me of the facebook group 'I thought you were pretty but then your ugly attitude ruined it.' In the original Greek language, the phrase 'Love is not rude' means that love does not behave in a way that makes a person appear ugly. Christians are called to love and love is always a beautiful thing." -Piper Kelly

One of the fruits of the Spirit is gentleness. How can you show gentleness if you are acting rude? Talking back to parents, arguing with friends, cussing, and violence are all things that are rude and very far from the way that God wants us to love others! Christians are called to be beautiful on the inside, and kick rudeness out of their lives. Just think about a skunk. People may have loved it and thought it to be a cute animal just like a squirrel or a chipmunk, but the rude and vile smell that it causes makes people run away at the sight of a skunk!

Matthew 7:12- "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets."

God is never barbaric or rude! To be like Christ, we must act the same way. Love others today by controlling your temper, guarding your speech, and doing your best not to irritate anyone purposely. The praise you will earn for living up to God's standard is a million times better than the praise you get from the world! Always remember what's important. How great is our God!

John 14:27- "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

-Jenna Hampton
with Piper Kelly

*If you read all of this post, please leave a comment. I would like to know how many people have been reading almost everyday. Thanks! :)

Love Is Not Boastful Or Proud

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient and kind. LOVE IS NOT jealous or BOASTFUL OR PROUD or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice, but rejoices when the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

We all know what being proud is, and we have all been proud before. 'I did this! I did that!' And sometimes, it's great to inform others of the things you have done and the things you are excited about. But when being proud becomes being prideful, and when telling someone about yourself becomes boasting is when it becomes a sin.

"How are you really showing love for someone else if you are being boastful and proud? If you do that, all they see if the love you have for yourself." -Stefanie Hampton

The Bible says that 'kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.' (Proverbs 16:24) During a conversation, you will always be tempted to talk about yourself! It's okay every once in awhile, but to really show the ACTION of loving others, we have to think more about them than we do ourselves. Try listening more than you speak today. After all, we have two ears and one mouth for a good reason.

Proverbs 16:5- "The Lord detests the proud; they will surely be punished."

The Lord despises those who are surrounded by a bubble of self-love. Be careful never to take the glory that the Lord deserves. If someone compliments you on being a loving, kind person, tell them that it's only because of the love that the Lord has for you! God will use you in any way he pleases, according to his perfect plan. There is no need to be proud of yourself when you can be proud of your God and amazed at His glory.

Proverbs 16:33- "We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall."
Proverbs 16:18- "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall."

Keep loving others the best you can through Christ, and living up to God's standard. Work hard for His glory! If you listen to others very carefully, you may discover awesome things that you never knew before.

-Jenna Hampton
with Stefanie Hampton

Love Is Not Jealous

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient and kind. LOVE IS NOT JEALOUS or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

Jealousy is a little seed that can sprout up anywhere in our daily lives. Having a bad hair day? You're jealous of a girl you see with GREAT hair. Being ignored by some of your friends? You're jealous of friends having a good time. You're best friend is spending more time with someone else? Oh yeah, you're very jealous.

It can also go much deeper. Jealousy can dissolve your self-confidence and twist the ways that others (and God) see you. Since the Bible commands us to love everyone, we should never be jealous! Give praise whenever it is due, but do not envy the talents and possessions that others have. Another thing to remember is to not be jealous of yourself at a different time in your life. "Oh things were so much better back then." Were they really?

"You can't get mad if he wants to hang with the guys or another girl or really do anything, you can be disappointed and express it, but remember to be patient, and not irritable or ill mannered! Trust is key! Jealousy only leads to argument and only God is our judge!"

-Sarah Hoard

Be thankful for all the blessings that you have, and remember to be content in who God has made you. If you watch T.V. shows or listen to music that cause you to be jealous and tear you down... STOP. Look around you at everything that God has given you, follow his will, and humble yourself before others. The Bible tells us to humble ourselves and be to others like a servant. The Lord has loved each of us and made us special. Jealousy can ruin relationships and strangle the Lord's will.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your hear and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Always be content with who God has made you, appreciate the talents that others have, and follow God's will and plan for your life. Humble yourself and throw out jealousy!

-Jenna Hampton

with Sarah Hoard