Brave Blogs: Brave Love: Where It All Begins by Rev. Maria Guzman

"Let all that you do be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14

Hello Brave Hearted Steppers,

Love is a word we use daily.

We say it to our loved ones.

We say it as we hang up the phone.

We write it in messages and cards.

We post it under photos and memories.

But the love God calls us to is so much deeper than a word, a feeling, or a moment.

It’s a way of living.

And not just any way — a Brave Hearted Love.

Here at Brave Hearted Ministry, we’re beginning a new journey together called Brave Love, because loving like Jesus isn’t passive… it takes courage.

It takes bravery to:

• Be kind when you’re exhausted

• Be patient when your mind feels overloaded

• Forgive when the hurt still feels fresh

• Speak truth gently instead of reacting harshly

• Keep showing up when it would feel easier to shut down or walk away

Real love costs something. And that’s exactly why it’s Brave Love.

Love Is Our Assignment

1 Corinthians 16:14 doesn’t give us a suggestion. It gives us a standard:

“Let ALL that you do be done in love.”

All means all.

Our words.

Our reactions.

Our boundaries.

Our leadership.

Our serving.

Our etc.

Even the uncomfortable, honest conversations we sometimes wish we could avoid.

Love is not weakness.

Love is not pretending.

Love is not staying silent to keep the peace.

Love is choosing to respond in a way that reflects the heart of Christ — even when our emotions are pulling us in another direction.

That is Brave Hearted Love.

Love Starts Small (But Grows Big)

Brave Love usually doesn’t begin with big, dramatic moments.

It begins in the quiet places of everyday life:

• Holding your tongue instead of snapping back

• Praying for someone you feel frustrated with

• Listening fully instead of planning your response

• Giving grace when someone lets you down

They seem like small steps…

But in God’s hands, small steps become Kingdom impact.

That’s Brave Hearted Love in motion.

This Week’s Brave Hearted Step

Each morning, ask the Lord: “Show me one way I can love bravely today.”

Maybe it’s sending a message of encouragement.

Maybe it’s choosing patience at work or at home.

Maybe it’s finally releasing a grudge you’ve been carrying.

You don’t have to do everything at once.

Just take one Brave Love step at a time.

Pause, Pray, Take 30!

Practice the Pause, Pray, Take 30! Method:

Throughout your day, take intentional pauses to reconnect with God. Stop for 30 seconds, pray, and then resume your activities. It’s a simple yet powerful way to keep love and prayer at the forefront of your life.

Brave Love Pause, Pray, Take 30! Prompts:

1. Take 30 seconds to pray: “Lord, teach me to love the way You love, even when it’s hard or uncomfortable.”
2. Take 30 seconds to ask God: “Give me courage to respond with love in this moment, not just when it’s easy.”
3. Take 30 seconds to reflect: “Lord, let my words, my choices, and my reactions reflect Your heart today.”
4. Take 30 seconds to pray for someone challenging: “Help me to forgive, to show grace, and to love bravely as You do.”
5. Take 30 seconds to thank God: “Thank You for opportunities to show Brave Hearted Love, and for Your guidance in each small step.”

6. Take 30 seconds to ask God for patience: “Strengthen me to walk in Brave Love every single day, even when it stretches me.”

Bible Verses for Reflection:

On Love: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” — 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

On Prayer: “Never stop praying.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT)

Even the smallest pauses of prayer can transform your heart and your actions, allowing God to guide you in living out Brave Hearted Love every day.

With Brave Hearted love and courage,

Rev. Maria Guzman

Founder of Brave Hearted Ministry