Scripture: John 13:33-35
Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. “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.”
God’s LOVE for us is so life changing. It’s a LOVE that is to be shared with one another. But loving one another — could prove to be a little tricky. Sure, it’s easy to love the loveable people; but what about the unlovable people? They are usually the ones we come in contact with on a daily basis. Now be careful — don’t get God started!
God is clear about LOVE. There is nothing greater in God’s kingdom than LOVE! God says, there is no height, depth, or width that is greater. LOVE is the most powerful force in the universe. And as a human race, we can benefit greatly from choosing to extend LOVE to one another.
LOVE can remove barriers in our lives that no other force can come close to removing. LOVE has no race barrier, no religious barrier, no sex barrier, no language barrier, and no educational barrier. LOVE has a sound and familiarity that every heart always hears, and it is easily recognized and accepted.
To LOVE one another also means being accepting in different types of relationships; spiritual relationships, family relationships, business, and personal relationships, and last, but not least, marriage relationships. Regardless of the relationship, LOVE should be the foundational driving force in all of them. Relationships are based on unconditional LOVE requiring considerably less effort to maintain. There is this genuine acceptance of others that makes the relationship work.
So, to LOVE one another is not always easy, because we do have to put up with the unlovable. God has made it very clear; we are being called to a heart of transformation. When this occurs — the Holy Spirit takes over in our hearts – and place us on a totally new life’s path. Then our need and desire of God’s LOVE will eventually enable us to LOVE one another, as God commands. So, don’t get God started – just LOVE one another!
Rev. Marion J. Miller is the Senior Pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church, 1201 Thomas V. Bryant Drive, Jeffersonville, Indiana. She may also be contacted at 812-283-3747 or via email at wesley1201@sbcglobal.net.
