Jesus was quite serious about the love and sacrifice we should have towards one another as Christians. In John 13:34-35 He says, “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.”
The Apostle John reaffirms this truth and puts a little more meat on the bones in 1 John 3:18; “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” What the Apostle John is trying to get across is that we shouldn’t just merely talk about love, but that it needs to be seen in our actions. Others should be able to see it!
For example, if you were going to bake a cake, and only talked about adding sugar to it, (never actually adding the sugar), the end result will be a pretty bitter cake. If this kept happening, eventually, people wouldn’t want to eat your cake. In a similar way, a Christian talking about love, yet never actually showing it, would make for a pretty bitter Christian!
God’s will is that our lives would be filled with love that displays itself through compassion, hospitality, mercy, and love towards each other. Jesus demonstrated love with His life. Christ loved His people so much that He gave His life for them. That’s tremendous and sacrificial love!
Does your love for the people of God look at all like Jesus’? Sacrificial in any way? A love for God will always be accompanied by a love for His people.
Christian, how are you doing in showing Christ-like love towards other believers? Maybe you feel like you are doing a great job? Is there room to grow? Maybe life is just too busy and you feel like there is no time to pursue others? Wherever you are in your life, take a moment this week to pray and ask God who it is you could serve, encourage, build up, take a meal to, or go out to coffee with? Even if it seems small or insignificant, remember these three truths: you’ll be obeying God, you’ll be showing love like Jesus, and you’ll be a blessing to those on the receiving end of your affections.
Grace to you!
Bryan
Posted in A Word from the Pastor