“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 niv)”This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” I John 3:16 (niv)

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”  I John 4:11 (niv)

What this is telling us is that IF God loved us [which He did], THEN we ought to love one another.

An example is Christ at the Last Supper: 

“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. “  John 13:3-5 (niv)  (see also  Luke 22:13-34)

Jesus loved His disciples, ate with them, washed their feet, knowing that He would be denied and betrayed.

What can I learn from this?  How does this apply to me?

Think about this statement, and apply the thought to those around you:  “Nothing you can say or do will make me stop loving you.”

Apply it to everyone in your family, your group, or your church family, etc.

Remember that God’s Word tells us to “die to self.”  (see Romans 6:3-7)

Not just once at moment of salvation, but moment by moment. 

“Self” says “put conditions on my love.”

“Die to self” says there are no conditions on my love.

How can I do that?  Because I have the love of Christ. Christ’s love comes to me, through me, to others.  Even to those that have hurt me.

Remember that love and fear are mutually exclusive.  They can not exist at the same time.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…”  I John 4:18

So, how will this effect you and those around you?

As we all work to earn the trust of each other in the group (family, church, etc.), by showing others that we will love them no matter what, and will not gossip or break confidences (see Proverbs 17:9), people will know that they can share their deepest burdens, their true selves.  Then, two things will result.

We will be able to follow up on needs that we hear about. We may be part of God’s answer to prayer (see Isaiah 65:24).  This will shows that we are really listening. [Often people do not listen.  We MUST be listeners.]

In addition, this will help to create a loving, caring environment into which we can welcome hurting people.  [WOUNDS can be healed.]

I am praying that God will continue to bless His people as we show His love to others.

Got questions? Need help, encouragement, or prayer?  See “Contact” above to email me.