Love One Another

1 Jn. 3:11

For this is the message that you ha e heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

 

It sounds like a simple message! Love one another. Yet, in reality it is a hard message. Consider Cain who killed his brother out of jealousy because his deeds were evil while Abel's were righteous. In the heart of all men is this same murderous strain. Certainly not many of us murder, but many of us hate, or do more socially acceptable things, ignore or avoid one another, don't return phone calls, or worse yet, don't answer, etc.  People just bug us if they prevent us from having our way. We are self-centered people who want all the love coming our way. But Jesus came to change that. His example was one of self-sacrifice. He gave His all even to the point of dying so that we might live in newness of life. This new life allows for no hatred of our brother no matter how it manifests itself. In fact, if we claim new life and hate our brother, we are deceiving ourselves. There is no new life in the heart of a murderer [hater]!

 

Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was the single most teachable moment, by it we know love! Love is now indelibly imprinted on the souls, minds, hearts, and spirits of His followers. As He laid down His life for us, so we in turn, must lay down our lives for others. If we see someone destitute of clothing, food, or shelter, we must not close our hearts to them. If we do we have not demonstrated the love of Christ. We must meet the need! A closed heart is devoid of the love of God. His love must abide and grow constantly. The final word is to love in word and talk, but also to love in deed and truth. Talk is not enough! Actions reveal the truth. We must love in deed and truth!

 

Father,

Help me to love as You loved me, as Your Son loved me. Make my deeds and actions match the truth of my words and talk. Grow me in Your love.

In Jesus name,

Amen