Love One Another (Daily Refresh, 12-05)

Jesus said two important things about our love for each other. First, that all people will know we are His disciples if we love one another (John 13:34). Second, our unity in Him will let the world know that God sent Him into the world (John 17:23).

Jesus said the world would know He’s come by how His followers love each other. We should love one another in such a way that those who do not believe in Jesus would be astounded and curious to learn more about Him. 

Jesus knew this world would be full of anger, strife, and conflict. This is all the more reason it should be a priority to love other people with the same love God has for us. Loving others unveils to the world the great and loving God who loved us first.

Years after Jesus’ resurrection, the apostle John wrote three short letters to followers of Jesus. And in his first letter, he takes the time to talk to them about how to love, and why it matters. John wrote: “…love is from God … if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another … we love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:7, 11, 19) 

He even goes as far as to say, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar, for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20, ESV) 

There’s no way around this. John makes it clear that our love for one another is proof that God’s love is in us. So if we say that we love God, then we should be committed to showing love to each other.

As you reflect on today’s verse, ask yourself: Is there anyone in my life that I need to show love to today? Is there anyone I need to forgive? In what ways can I love my brothers and sisters in Christ?

My Thoughts

Today’s devotional is confirmation that I need to love more and sincerely. I have been at my sister’s apartment in North Carolina all week. We have had some nice times together, but mostly it has been a trial since she is not a believer and scoffs at my beliefs. She belittles me constantly and orders me around like she is a commanding general. Last night when I retired to my room to read and sleep, I prayed and told God just how upset I was feeling and how hard it has been to maintain a Christian attitude of loving and giving. He gently but firmly reminded me that I am to love as He loves, not as I am being treated. I should have compassion for her because she is basically alone most of the time, sees no one, talks to no one and has only the Hallmark channel for her constant companion. Add to that the fact that she is going blind from macular degeneration and is feeling lonely as well as neglected, she is one to be prayed for and helped as much as I can while I am here. So, last day here…I resolve to love in spite of bad language, demands and other things that irritate me. I am thankful that I have the Lord to correct me and let me know that I am loved all the time, not just when someone decides to visit.

My love is not for me to establish my relationship with God. It is so that others like my sister can see it. So far, there has been no change in years of visiting, but God is in charge of change and I am in charge of my own attitude and continuing to show love, kindness and a generous spirit. I wish for a better life for her, one that has her smiling and happy again, content with her life. But if that is not to happen, then my prayer is that she finds the Lord who is the only One who can truly fulfill her deepest desires to be accepted and loved unconditionally.

We never know what someone is going through until we truly spend time seeing life with their eyes and in their world. I have seen someone who sleeps a lot because there isn’t much else to do. Someone whose only friend seems to be the lady from Instacart who delivers her groceries. Someone who tries to control others’ actions because her life is so out of her own control. And I feel a deep love and compassion for her and deep sorrow that she doesn’t know the Lord.

The next time you meet a difficult person, think about the fact that their life may be the most challenging thing you have ever encountered, thank God that you are you, and pray for them to come to know the Lord and receive new sight into what is really important. Yes, this week has been hard. But I will go home tomorrow and my dear sister will remain alone in her apartment, waiting for her daughter to call or visit, waiting for groceries to be delivered and listening to Hallmark Christmas movies as she drifts off to sleep again. My heart breaks for her and I hope you will remember her in your prayers.