Jesus loved people. He loved thieves, prostitutes, tax collectors, diseased people, poor people, children and His followers. He loved people who were devoted to Him and those who were different from Him. He even loved difficult and dangerous people.
And His love is the same today as it was some 2,000 years ago.
********
Because we are loved by Him, we are called to love like Him. The extent to which we love one another validates and communicates our faith.
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:34-35 NLT
********
The New Testament contains 54 "one another" passages that teach us how to love. We can show how to love like Jesus by living out the following "one another" passages.
Forgive one another Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT
The ultimate example of forgiveness was displayed when Jesus hung on the Cross and cried out for those who were crucifying Him. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34a NLT
We should forgive others even when they don't deserve it or ask for it. That demonstrates a love that keeps no record of wrongs. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NLT
********
Accept one another Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Romans 15:7 NLT
To truly love someone, you must avoid trying to change the person for your own purposes. Accepting love is patient and kind, even when someone does not meet your expectations. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NLT
********
Honor one another Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10 NLT
Honor means to esteem someone as highly valuable. It leads us to treat others as though they are personally autographed by God. When we value others above ourselves, we are emulating the attitude of Christ. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3-5 NLT
********
But what if the person you are trying to love does not receive it? Loving others isn't always easy, but a Christlike love means forgiving, accepting and honoring even those who are different and difficult.
Our ability to love others comes from God. Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7 NLT
We can only give love when our hearts are full of God's love. That is the formula. Any other attempt at loving one another simply does not work.
- Anonymous
*******************************************
If you liked this story and would like a copy of either of my books,
they are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle format:
If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.
*******************************************