The night before Jesus died he shared these words with His disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” John 13:34 – 35
We all know how Jesus loved when He walked the earth. He was patient. He was kind. He did not envy. He did not boast. He was not proud. He did not dishonour others, and was not self-seeking. He was not easily angered, and kept no record of wrongs. He did not delight with evil but rejoiced with the truth. He always protected, always trusted, always hoped, and always persevered (adapted from 1 Cor 13:4-7)
Each day I attempt to be a little bit more like Jesus and a little bit less like Julie, and every day I fail to achieve my lofty heights. However, failure is not a bad thing because it continually brings us to our knees in prayer, with the realisation that it is only the HS, working in and through us that can love like Christ. In this space of humility we begin to understand the will of God more easily and we start to reflect God’s love without even trying.
When the church “loves their neighbour as themselves” the world will be captivated toward the Kingdom. May the love of God be your strength and your purpose today.
May God bless you richly
Julie