Love Others
John 13:35 (NIV)
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
The defining characteristic of a disciple of Christ is love. It’s easy to say we love others, but true love is demonstrated in our actions, especially toward those who may not deserve it. Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us—sacrificially, unconditionally, and without judgment. This kind of love is not natural; it is the work of the Holy Spirit in us. It is the love that draws people to Christ, not our ability to judge or correct them.
In a world where judgment and condemnation are often the first responses to others’ failures, Jesus calls us to a higher standard. He reminds us that love is the greatest witness we can offer to the world. People are not won to Christ through arguments or criticism; they are won through the experience of His love, often demonstrated through His followers. When we love others as Christ loves us, we become living testimonies of His grace.
Loving others does not mean we ignore sin or pretend it doesn’t exist. Instead, it means we approach others with the same grace that we have received. We love them where they are, trusting that the Holy Spirit will work in their hearts just as He has worked in ours. This love is patient, kind, and persistent, always seeking the best for the other person. It is a love that reflects the heart of God and invites others into a relationship with Him.
Prayer:
Father, fill our hearts with Your love, that we may love others as You have loved us. Teach us to extend grace and mercy, even when it’s difficult, and to be living witnesses of Your love. Help us to love in a way that draws others to You, showing them the path to salvation. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
The defining characteristic of a disciple of Christ is love. It’s easy to say we love others, but true love is demonstrated in our actions, especially toward those who may not deserve it. Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us—sacrificially, unconditionally, and without judgment. This kind of love is not natural; it is the work of the Holy Spirit in us. It is the love that draws people to Christ, not our ability to judge or correct them.
In a world where judgment and condemnation are often the first responses to others’ failures, Jesus calls us to a higher standard. He reminds us that love is the greatest witness we can offer to the world. People are not won to Christ through arguments or criticism; they are won through the experience of His love, often demonstrated through His followers. When we love others as Christ loves us, we become living testimonies of His grace.
Loving others does not mean we ignore sin or pretend it doesn’t exist. Instead, it means we approach others with the same grace that we have received. We love them where they are, trusting that the Holy Spirit will work in their hearts just as He has worked in ours. This love is patient, kind, and persistent, always seeking the best for the other person. It is a love that reflects the heart of God and invites others into a relationship with Him.
Prayer:
Father, fill our hearts with Your love, that we may love others as You have loved us. Teach us to extend grace and mercy, even when it’s difficult, and to be living witnesses of Your love. Help us to love in a way that draws others to You, showing them the path to salvation. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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