Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 10-12; John 13:18-38
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” – John 13:34 (KJV)
Jesus Christ calls us to a life of love that is deeper than any human feelings or emotions. In the biblical sense, love is not primarily a feeling or emotion; it’s an act of the human will. Love is a committed, thoughtful decision to love and serve both God and our neighbor. This love compels us to work for the well-being of others even when it means sacrificing our own well-being. This is the grace-filled love of which the Scriptures speak.
The best illustration of this kind of love is Jesus’ own life and ministry. Throughout his life, Jesus reached out in love and compassion to everyone He met—tax collectors and sinners, rich and wealthy rulers, women which are regarded as second-class citizens in those days, self-righteous scribes and Pharisees, despised Samaritans, unclean lepers, blind, and sick people and all other category of people that crossed His way while on the earth. Jesus taught, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. ” Matthew 5:44 (KJV). Also from the cross He said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”– Luke 23:34 (KJV). How loving and compassionate can one be, to still forgive and pray for his accusers and betrayers while on the verge of death? It is unimaginable, yet Jesus demonstrated this kind of love leading an exemplary way for us to follow.
In life and relationships, there are offences, hurts and wounds that we might be going through, looking for healing and consolations. Jesus Christ has called us to seek out one another and find healing. If there are unresolved conflicts, Jesus calls us to work through them and restore the relationships. If we find it difficult to interact or work with a co-worker, Jesus calls us to take the initiative to do whatever is necessary to improve the relationship. If we hold grudges or resentment against others, Jesus calls us to confess them, accept each other, and let go of the past. This is a sacrificial kind of love, even when the other person does not deserve it.
This kind of love is not about “liking” each other or becoming each other’s best friend before it can be expressed. This is about respecting each other and working for each other’s wellbeing despite our feelings and emotions. It’s about living and working together in unity for a purpose that transcends us all—for the greater good of the kingdom of God and our world. This kind of love can transform a workplace, heal a family, restore a marriage, unify a church, bring peace to a neighborhood, and even bring peace among religious and ethnic groups or nations.
Our world needs this kind of love for the peace of mankind. Only Jesus can give such kind of love. Let us reach-out to the world with the love of Christ to transform our world.
Prayer: Father, Let the love of Christ dwell in us richly to impact our world in Jesus Name.
Pastor Alfred Samuel