Friday, July 19, 2013

Love as Jesus Loves (John 13:31-38)


Today's scripture: John 13:31-38

Jesus made it very clear: We are to love one another. Even more, we are to love others as He loves us.

How does He love us? Completely. Unconditionally. With grace and mercy. Even to the point of dying for us.

Jesus' love isn't based on what we do for Him. It isn't fickle or changeable. It doesn't wonder if it will be returned. No. Jesus' love is ... well, it's love. He looks at us, and He just loves us. And how does He demonstrate that love?

Not long ago, we read about Lazarus' death and the compassion Jesus showed for Martha and Mary. He grieved with them and shared their broken hearts. We've seen how, each time He came across a hurting person, He showed care and a desire to help them. Then, a couple of days ago we looked at the scene where Jesus washed His disciples' feet. He washed every single foot, even Judas', the one who was going momentarily betray Him. So, we know that Jesus loves with a compassionate, caring, and humble servant's heart.

We aren't quite there yet in our study of John, but we know how He ultimately demonstrated His love for us: He gave His very life for us.

This is how we're to love. We're to show compassion and caring for others. We're to be willing to humbly serve even those who might hurt us or betray us. We're to be willing to lay down our lives for them. Just as Jesus did.

And why are we to love like this? Because, as Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Nothing is quite as detrimental to the cause of Christ as when those who call themselves by His name treat other Christians with disdain. Even worse, when they show outright hate for those outside the faith.

If we truly loved as Jesus does, people would be attracted to us—and to Him. If we showed compassion and caring for others, no matter who they are and what they've done, it would truly change this world. If we figuratively (or perhaps literally) washed the feet of even those who might betray us ... oh, imagine how beautiful that would be.

No comments: