TITLE: God's Commandment By Laura Anderson 12/13/09 |
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John 13:34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. NIV
My patient sat up in the chair after I cleaned his teeth. “Do you see a lot of people you don’t like?” he asked. I thought a moment. “No I like most everyone who’s a patient here. I just wish they would do what I tell them to do,” I replied. I believe God would add a strong “Me too.”
Why don’t we do what we know God wants us to? Are God’s instructions not clear? Or do we value something or someone more than God and His Word?
Jesus ordered us to love as He loved. Scripture paints a picture of love more clearly than a thousand “I love you’s.” The eternal God on one day 2000+ years ago confined Himself to time, humbled Himself to exist as a man and die a criminal death on a cross for all sin of all mankind. God became man to die so we can have abundant and eternal life. Because of God’s great love for me I know how to love others.
Some people are easy to love and others are not. And there lays the problem. I easily show love to those who show love to me. I resist loving those I have conflict with. “Love your enemies,” Jesus told the disciples. I can almost hear them gasp. They were taught an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But grace gives undeserved favor to everyone.
Take a moment to think of people in your life who are difficult to love. What can you do in a practical way to help them? Always remember you may be the best or worst introduction to Jesus some people will ever see.
Abba, I will praise You for I am free! Love has broken my chains. Because of Your love, I will be love today. Thank You Jesus, Amen.
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