DAY 3: LOVING ONE ANOTHER
Read John 15:12-17.
This passage opens and closes with the same command: Love each other! The command is reflected in a sacrificial commitment to lay down our lives for others (i.e. “for his friends”). That sacrifice is not easy, but is made easier by the friendship. (Note, however, that the love of Christ goes beyond dying for friends, but for His enemies as well – Rom. 5:7-10.)
Forgive me for being blunt, but let me ask: How good a friend are you? When it comes to building a healthy, biblical community, Jesus set the standard by showing us what love looks like. It is a commitment to death. That is a high standard! We may not be called to die for someone (I doubt many of us will), but to the extent that we act sacrificially toward others shows the extent of our love. And as we show love toward others, we bear fruit – fruit that will last and is pleasing to God.
To consider:
As you move through your day, look for opportunities to show sacrificial love by going the extra mile as you are able.
Note also that Jesus initiated the love (“You did not choose me, but I chose you…”). His love was unconditional – yet another high standard! Love flows from what is inside, not what is outside. So, even if on the outside we are encountering great struggles or perhaps not getting along with someone, God has given us the ability to initiate love (Note: initiate, not merely respond) as God’s love works within us.
To consider:
God calls us not to merely respond in love, but to initiate love as well. Is there a relationship in which you need to initiate an act of love? Recognizing that this could be difficult in some situations, ask others to pray for you – for courage, humility, sensitivity, and wisdom.
