"I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another." John 13:34
"This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you." John 15:12
Hummm....two verses, same words....must be important! :) What does it mean to love someone (everyone) the way Christ loves you? Wow...not just love them, but love them the same way Christ loves. This is a powerful thought (practice) to take into this week sure to be filled with friends, family and strangers.
I can’t help but think that when Christ shows His love to me He likely over looks my faults, knows I’m not perfect, but doesn’t let that affect the way He loves me. He loves me not because of how I act or treat Him, but in spite of it. You know what…there is some serious grace involved in His brand of love.
We are called to show this same love to others…not just those we like, and not only when they are acting like we think they should. People should not have to earn our love. They should receive it whether we think they “deserve” it or not. We are human. There are some people we are going to like more than others. But every person should receive the same, unconditional, selfless, generous, overflowing love from us. Because loving others is less about them and more about us fulfilling a commandment of our Lord and letting Him use us to reach the world.
I have a dear friend who once shared a struggle she was having with being nice, gentle and loving towards some family members. She was preparing for a visit with them and praying about it. The Lord spoke to her heart and said, “You are there to be a blessing to them.” You see, it didn’t matter how they acted. She was on a mission and had a job to fulfill. Regardless of what happened, she was to bless her family. I challenge you to keep this in the forefront of your mind as you prepare to interact with so many through the next two weeks. Your mission is to love everyone with the love of Christ. If you go into this time with the goal in mind to bless other, regardless of what is said or done, you will see a difference in how much you enjoy this precious season and how much better your relationships will be when you look past what people do and choose to love them as Christ loves you.
Take some time to sit quietly. Lift your heart to God, and make a commitment to love, really love, everyone you come in contact with this Christmas season. You are there to bless them!
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” John 15:10
