Love One Another

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13: 34-35

“The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

1 John 4:8

The Lord calls us to love one another. This can be a big task in a fallen world. People may disappoint us, hurt us, or abandon us. We are also concerned with so many responsibilities and cares that it is difficult to add helping others to our lists.

Empathy is a special skill that enables us to see things from others’ points of view, to “walk in their shoes”. Instead of guessing at what we think they need, we can come beside them in times of trouble. We can watch them closely, ask questions, listen to their words, and read their body language. What was the real reason they showed anger towards you? Did something happen at work or school? Was this a reaction they have observed from others and picked up?

Remember that we are also human. Are we having a stronger reaction to the situation than is necessary? Is there a kinder way we can interact?

We can be so quick to judge and condemn that we don’t see the human that God has asked us to love. Let’s take a moment to ask the Lord to open our eyes to see others as He sees them. Ask for guidance for the steps we can take to show them love. Can we give them the benefit of the doubt? Maybe they need a hug or some time to rest. Could we take a task off of their shoulders?

We will also meet people who we cannot care for directly. Maybe we see someone crying at a stoplight, hear a siren going by, or receive a prayer request for someone’s loved one. We can still provide love through our prayers, sharing their situation with the Lord and asking Him to provide comfort, help, and healing to them. We are called to share love with others as God shares His love with us.

PRAYER:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for loving us! Open our eyes to see others as You see them. Help us to share love with those we meet.
In Christ’s name, Amen.

Journal: In what ways can you share God’s love with others? Who needs your love today?

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash