“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34,35 (NLT)
I am always amazed as to just how much Jesus loves us. His love is sacrificial. Not the kind of sacrifice some of us may have made when we didn’t have enough to eat so we made sure our family had enough and we went without. Jesus gave everything for us! He gave His life so we can have life and have it more abundantly.
In verse 34, Jesus is now commanding us….not suggesting, or asking; but commands us to love one another as He loves us. I don’t know about you, but sometimes this is hard to grasp and even accomplish. We were born with a selfish nature. Love is more than simply a warm and fuzzy feeling; it is an attitude that reveals itself in action. I suppose you could say it’s an attitude adjustment; from being self centered to being Christ centered. It is a choice – to follow Christ’s command or not. There is no in between; no “gray” areas when it comes to God’s commands. We are not to pick and choose who we will love.
To love as Christ loves us will not only bring unbelievers to Christ; it will also keep believers strong and united in a world that is hostile towards God and those who follow Him.
We can love others as Jesus loves us by helping when it’s not convenient; by giving when it hurts; by devoting energy to others’ welfare rather than our own; by taking on hurts from others without complaining or fighting back. This kind of loving is hard to do. It goes outside of our comfort zone. That is why people notice when you do it and they know you are empowered by a supernatural source. That being the Holy Spirit that lives inside of each Christian who is there to assist, teach, comfort, guide us to a Christ like heart; a Christ like love; a sacrificial love.
I am so thankful for Christ’s love. Lord, help me to love others as you love me.
I am thankful for those in our church family who showed their love towards my family when we were sick and the made and delivered meals to our home. Bless them Lord, for they were showing Your love to us and the neighbors who saw their generosity.
I am thankful for my blogging sisters who take time out of their busy schedules to pray for my family and I. Lord, bless their families and homes. Comfort the sisters who are going through some heartaches and trials right now.
I am thankful for my family who loves me unconditionally. Lord, there are times when I know they don’t feel well, yet they still take care of my needs because they love me as Christ loves me.
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4 comments:
I agree that it is hard to do because we can't love like that in ourselves, it has to come from the Spirit through us.
Thankful for His everything!
You are so right. Love them like Jesus, carry them to Him if need be.
Thanks for your prayers. Evenings it gets worse. I don't want to take a pain pill, so I'll probably take some ibuprophen - or however you spell it. The doctor today said she thinks I have a touch of bronchitis with this. My white blood cell count was up. She had them do the ANA test and also a new test where they check your vitamin D levels because it reveals a lot.
We're heading to 'The 'ham' Friday evening. Logan's baptism is Sunday.
Love you.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful post. Reading this, instantly these words came to mind. "Not by might, nor by power. But by my spirit says the Lord..."
Have a blessed weekend!
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