Love One Another

“As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:34–35

You want prosperity, education, comfort, and safety for yourself and those you love. These are wonderful things. But Jesus would not have you stop there. When you want for other people the good—education, comfort, and safety—that you want for yourself, you are following His command and loving others as you love yourself.

One sign of Jesus’ work in you is that you start extending His love and compassion to the broken, the marginalized, and the hurting. As Jesus’ character is formed within you, you will find yourself acting more according to His priorities. Because you’ll have His heart, you won’t be able to ignore or remain disconnected from the needs of the people in your community and around the world—people He loves.

Injustice and suffering go untended because we are so often distracted, preoccupied with our own concerns. Would people looking at you know you are Jesus’ disciple? As Jesus works in your heart, ask for inspiration and wisdom for new ways to love His children. That’s one thing He will freely give (James 1:5). There is more than enough love to share.

Lord, I don’t want to be preoccupied with myself when Your people are in need. Please show me who to love and how to love them.