John 13:34-35
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
1 Thessalonians 4:9
9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you,for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.
John 15:17
17 This is my command: Love each other.
Romans 12:10
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 13:8
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
1 Peter 1:22
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.
1 Peter 4:8
8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 John 4:7-12
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
I think God has made it pretty clear that we are to LOVE ONE ANOTHER. But, what exactly, is LOVE?
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 John 4:8
8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
The above verses tell us exactly what love is and what love is not. Scripture tells us to love one another and gives us the definition of what love is. I just want to add one thing: as you go about your lives, open your heart for the opportunities to show someone compassion, mercy, and kindness. Whatever the situation, it is always better to treat the other person with love. If we really want to be an example of God to the world, then we have to treat EVERYONE with love. Why? Because GOD IS LOVE! If we act selflessly, putting the needs of others above ourselves then we can show the world that love can conquer all.
Matthew 22:36-40
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Can we find it in our hearts to love each other without prejudice and judgement? Can we share life without hate pouring into our relationships? Can we give up our “rights” to something for the benefit of others? Can we “be love” to those we do life with?
I know that loving others isn’t always easy, but it is what Jesus commands His disciples to do. I don’t always treat others with love. I may never get it completely right, because I am human, but I try and God knows my heart. In these times of chaos and change, make it your mission to love one another.
“Abide in me, Lord. Fill me with your love, so that I may love everyone I come in contact with. I want them to see less of me and more of you. You, Holy Father, are love. Fill me to overflowing with your love. This is my prayer. Amen”
Patti Burris 