John 13:34 A new commandment I give you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused widespread devastation to the southeastern US. My oldest was 4 months old, and I vividly remember holding him, sobbing, as I watched the destruction unfold on tv. Eventually, interspersed with the horror and destruction, were scenes of hope—people donating water, cleaning supplies, food, money, man-hours to help those suffering. There was no lengthy interview before helping, there was no assurance that the ones helped voted, loved, worshiped, believed in the same manner as the ones helping. People needed help, and people helped. End of story.
1 John 4:20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he sees cannot love God whom he has not seen.
In many ways, that experience shaped my active expression of faith. Repeatedly, the Bible tells us to love one another. As God loved us, we should love one another. To me, that means recognizing the divinely authored life in each person (even if they don’t), treating them with love, respect, kindness (even if they don’t)—not because they deserve it but because my Savior does that for me even though I don’t deserve. I take to heart the internet meme “Love everybody. I’ll sort them out later. ~God” To me, that embodies the message of Christ.
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this deep conviction that You call us to love and serve Your people. Help me to love others as You love me—deeply, fiercely, unconditionally. Draw us closer. Amen.
1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.