By Andrew Williams
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Good morning fellow disciples.
At the very heart of the Christian faith is the call to love. Jesus made it clear that loving God and loving others are the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:36-40). Yet, truly living out this call to love is often easier said than done. It requires a deep understanding of God’s love for us, and a willingness to extend that same love to those around us.
The Scriptures are clear that God is love (1 John 4:8). His love for us is unconditional, sacrificial, and unfailing. 1 John 4:7-12 reminds us that God’s love was demonstrated in the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. This profound truth should transform our perspective, as we come to grasp the depth of the love that has been lavished upon us.
Empowered by the knowledge of God’s love, we are called to love others in the same way that Christ has loved us. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 provides a beautiful description of what this love looks like – it is patient, kind, humble, and persevering. This kind of love goes beyond mere feelings and is manifested in our actions and choices. It requires us to lay down our own desires and agendas for the sake of serving and caring for others.
Choosing to demonstrate love is not merely a one-time decision, but a daily commitment to live out the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It means being quick to forgive, slow to anger, and generous in our time and resources. It involves investing in relationships, meeting the needs of the marginalized, and speaking words of encouragement and life. As we choose to live out a lifestyle of love, we become a tangible reflection of God’s Kingdom to a world that is desperately in need of His transformative grace.
Loving others as Christ has loved us is not an easy task, but it is a sacred calling that lies at the very heart of the Gospel. When we choose to demonstrate love, we not only honor God and fulfill His commandments, but we also become powerful witnesses to the life-changing power of the cross. May we be a people who are known for our love, that the world may see the beauty of Christ reflected in our lives.
Prayer: Father God, we stand in awe of the depth and breadth of Your love for us. Forgive us for the times when we have fallen short of loving others as You have loved us. Fill us anew with the power of Your Holy Spirit, that we may be transformed into vessels of Your unconditional, sacrificial, and persevering love. Help us to put aside our own agendas and desires, and to choose to serve and care for those around us. Use us, Lord, to demonstrate Your love to a world in desperate need of Your love. Amen.