This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. John 15:12 KJV
Love One Another
Living in obedience to God’s word is a sign that we truly love our heavenly Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ. As believers, we are required to love one another. More than that, we are commanded to love as Christ loved his disciples and like he loves us. Loving like Jesus may seem impossible to some. After all, we are flawed, and he is perfect. We are sinners and he lived without sin.
As believers, it is our aim to do what God requires of us. Jesus says in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments. WEB” And so, to demonstrate faithfulness and our love of Christ, we must love each other. In other words, we have been instructed to respond to one another in a way that reflects the love of Christ.
Love Your Enemies
Beyond that, we are to love our enemies. Matthew 5:44 states, “But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. KJV” Now, this is really a challenge. To do this we need to understand the love that Jesus demonstrates as best we can.
The love that Jesus shows is practical and not based on feelings. We may not feel like loving or blessing our enemies. Sometimes, it may be difficult to feel like loving all believers. The key is to know how Christ loved. He healed, he cast out evil spirits, he washed his disciples’ feet and even laid down his life to demonstrate his love. To make it simple, he lived a life of humility, compassion, sacrifice and service. He loved with action that led to affection. This is how we follow his command to love one another.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the example of love we get from Jesus Christ and his faithful followers. Lead me to grow each day in love and direct my steps to demonstrate the love of Christ as I love the people you have placed in my life. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: No Peace for the Wicked
