Letting a stranger have that parking spot, or bringing a coworker a cup of coffee are simple ways to show love. It’s easy to focus our attention on loving our spouse or our children, but how are we actively loving our neighbor? We jump at that first commandment by attending church and praying fervently, but all too often, we forget that Jesus followed it up with one that was “equally important”: loving our neighbor. So he gave us the guidelines of loving God first, then our neighbor, knowing that if we strive for these, we can come pretty close to mirroring his own walk on earth. But humanity isn’t perfect, and Jesus knew that. They wouldn’t commit idolatry if God was their No. Nobody would murder if they loved others. I think the reason Jesus was able to supply an answer so easily was because he knew that if people loved God and others perfectly, obedience to the other commandments would simply follow suit. And we’re not to stop there-we’re to treat everyone we come across with the same kindness and respect we have for ourselves. But without hesitation, Jesus replies that we are to love God with every thought that races through our minds in every thing we say and in every thing we do. I can picture the Pharisee leaning back with a smirk on his face, waiting for Jesus to stumble. A Pharisee is trying to throw Jesus off, to force him into murky waters by asking him to choose which of God’s holy commandments is superior to the rest (um, how about all of them?!). Whenever I read these verses, I’m always pleased with how well Jesus handled the situation placed before him. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:35-40 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. “ One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. What would it look like if we did exactly that? Not only would we build unity, but we would help in covering sin, ours and theirs. Instead of looking at our faith family in doubt and frustration, we are asked to love them, deeply love them. This fact alone can cause division, the very thing God despises (1 Corinthians 1:10). We are also at different places in life with a vast array of life views and opinions. God has something to say about how we handle this family we may not have realized we joined, “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8, NLT)Įvery newly acquired brother and sister created in the image of God has personality traits, abilities, and a unique purpose to fulfill. But as children of God, we also acquire siblings. When we begin a relationship with Christ, we gain the honor of becoming children of God, members of a vast, diverse, cross-cultural, and cross-generational family. It is no different in our family of faith. Others want to argue and judge often, determined to divide and all around make everyone a little crazy. Nearly without exception, some members are delightful, encouraging. How to Love our Family of Faithįamilies are messy. Julie Bender - Co-Host of This Grit and Grace Life We’re loved, so we love him and his people.Īnd now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. A story he’s invited us into, and to be a part of sharing with others. The Bible is full of ways we can honor God, and what he wants us to do while we’re here on Earth, but ultimately, the Bible is a love story. And I’m bringing him glory (which is my main goal in life.) 1 Corinthians 13:4-5), then I’m where God wants me. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. If every action I take is motivated by a biblical love ( Love is patient, love is kind. When I’m not sure what to say to a friend (or foe), or I’m confused about how to move forward with a decision, or if I’m unsure of the direction I should be taking… My college pastor said a simple phrase that to this day, I still repeat to myself often. I had “been a Christian” for a while but it didn’t really affect my daily life until I came to college and began being discipled, surrounded by Christians who loved God and lived for him Monday through Saturday, too. I remember when I first starting living for Jesus.
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