12/06/2022
Thought for the day,
John 13:34 – “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (NASB, 2020)
We Christians are called to love everyone, but most especially, brothers and sisters of our Christian Family. That you Love one another as I have loved you, the commandment from Christ to his disciples alone, to be willing to lay down one’s life for his friends, is the level of love we are to have for fellow believers. As in 2 Kings 10:15, and throughout Paul’s Epistles, we see that our measure of love is not dependent on common thought or practice.
“May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion?” (Wesley, pg.497). The act of love is how we are identified as disciples of Christ (John 13:35). Through love we put the needs, and well-being of others above our own, earnestly fulfilling the greatest of commandments in selfless sacrifice. What greater likeness of the Love of the Father who sacrificed His Son, so that our sins against Him could be forgiven can be displayed for one’s family than devotion to those disagreeable to us? Loving parents don’t abandon their children because of rebellion or lack of moral turpitude, they reproof, and teach through love. Likewise, never abandon your brothers and sisters for their sins or practices. Neither in love condone sin or wrongful living. Teach through an example of unconditional love to fellow Christians inspiring repentance, not attrition, as it is only through love that the soul may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
The achievement of our Lord’s civilization is in you,
Curtis
