Day 16: Loving People
Day 16: Loving People
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” — John 13:34-35
“LOVE ONE ANOTHER.” Jesus called it a “new commandment.” The second part of the sentence defines just how completely we are to love one another: the way Jesus loved us. And how much did he love us? He laid down his very life for us!”
“BY THIS, ALL PEOPLE WILL KNOW.” People often ask, “what is the most important thing the church must do right now to help our neighbors trust Jesus for their salvation?” Theologian Francis Schaeffer’s answer is compelling: “Without true Christians loving one another, Christ says the world cannot be expected to listen, even when we give proper answers. We must never forget that the final apologetic which Jesus gives is the observable love of true Christians for true Christians.”
Once that is happening, we turn our hearts to our neighbors armed with a shockingly sacrificial love, something the unbelieving world is not acquainted with.
“See those Christians, how they love one another!” —Tertullian
“BY THIS, ALL PEOPLE WILL KNOW.” People often ask, “what is the most important thing the church must do right now to help our neighbors trust Jesus for their salvation?” Theologian Francis Schaeffer’s answer is compelling: “Without true Christians loving one another, Christ says the world cannot be expected to listen, even when we give proper answers. We must never forget that the final apologetic which Jesus gives is the observable love of true Christians for true Christians.”
Once that is happening, we turn our hearts to our neighbors armed with a shockingly sacrificial love, something the unbelieving world is not acquainted with.
“See those Christians, how they love one another!” —Tertullian
Prayer Focus:
LORD, I ask that you teach me how to love like you loved us. I ask that you give me the same willingness to “go to the cross” on behalf of other people. Give me the grace to forgive, serve, and show compassion even when it is difficult. And most of all, LORD, I pray that my love for others would be a clear reflection of Jesus to those around me, especially to those who do not yet know you.
Reflection:
What is one specific way that you can demonstrate Christ’s love today? It could be through acts of service, encouraging words, or simply being present for someone in need. Let your love be a testimony to those around you, pointing them to Jesus, who is the source of all love.
Posted in 21 Days of Prayer