Bible thought on Love

June 18, 2009

Good morning, Wayne Nale,

John 15:17

"This is my command: Love each other."

"These things I command you," (KJV).He speaks as if He were about to give them many rules to keep, and yet names only this, Love each other!

This is a repetition of 13:34; 15:12. Yet on this same night the disciples had been guilty of jealousy and bickering (Luke 22:24; John 13:5,15).

The repetition of this command picks up the reference both to Jesus' words (v. 7) and to His command (v. 12), tying the unit together. Obedience to this command of Jesus is the evidence we love Him (vv. 9- 10), and the content of His command turns out to be love. This final reference to love one another ties together this passage and provides a noticeable contrast to what immediately follows; Jesus' description of the world's hatred of the disciples. Jesus had been speaking of the vast miracle of knowing and loving God in a community of love. The church is not to be an isolated hothouse, but a garden in the center of the world.

Commanded to Love
Our world wants love to be spontaneous and driven by feeling; but Jesus knows the deeper human need. We know we should love even when we don't feel like it because we want others to love us when we are unlovable. In Jesus we find both the perfect model for loving and the greatest supply of love. He commands us to love, and He helps us accomplish His command. Jesus knew if we would practice love, then the feelings of love would follow naturally. If we waited to be motivated by affection for others, we would never love others. Treating others with honor and respect, even when we don't feel they deserve it, may generate good will and kindness. If we understand how deeply we are loved by God in spite of our sin, we will be pushed in the direction of loving others ourselves. Those who do not realize God's love for them find it difficult to love others.

If we wait to be motivated by affection there are some whom we will never love!

If we practice love, then the feelings of love will grow naturally.

Who do you need to love today?

I have never been much of a bible person (I have read it several times) or very religious (graduated from catholic high school)... but I am a firm believer that love can really change your perspective on life. Whether its an SO, a family member or a fur baby... love is a strong motivator for all things, sacrifice, joy, saddness, charity, empathy, desire...

Thanks for the inspiration to remind our loved ones how we feel, Wayne.