For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. – (1 John 3:11, HCSB)
This is the teaching you have heard from the beginning: We must love each other. – (1 John 3:11, ERV)
For this is the original message we heard: We should love each other. – (1 John 3:11, MSG)
The message that ought to motivate us in all that we say and do is to love each other. God keeps it simple for our sake, yet we struggle to love one another in all things and at all times. It is easy to love people who love us back, but it is another thing to choose to love those who oppose you, are rude to you, or extend only unkindness in our direction. There was no disclaimer in the call to love. God calls us to love in all things and at all times. Love may look different in various situations and circumstances, but the root motivation for all that we do must be love. This is far more easily said than done. All it takes is one rude driver cutting us off, or an inconsiderate person doing something unkind, and love goes out the window. It is an intentional, conscious choice to seek the Lord to lead us in His love in all things and at all times. Sometimes, in the moments that my mind wants to react, my heart responds and reminds me that I don’t know what they are going through and perhaps their circumstances are distracting them from being fully aware of their surroundings. In those moments, I ask God to bless them, protect them, and grant them peace. When my spirit is quickened to kindness, I am in awe of God’s grace. Often, I remind myself of the difference it has made when I have received undeserved kindness instead of condemnation in my own moments of difficulty. We are an ongoing work in progress and I am so thankful that Jesus modeled what it is to love in all things. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love so that His heart is made evident to those around us through His goodness and grace.
The message we’ve heard,
is to choose to love;
in all things always,
like the Lord above.
His love is patient,
and always it’s kind;
His love embraces,
our heart, soul, and mind.
Love leads us in peace,
to forgive, give grace;
help one another,
and walk in His ways.
For when we follow,
His leading of love;
we show His goodness,
point to Him above.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love and show us what it is to do so through the example set by Jesus. Forgive us for the times that we are not motivated by love in what we say and do. Show us how to love in all things and at all times. Lead us to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love in every interaction throughout every day. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
This is what I command you: Love one another. – John 15:17
Revelations In Writing 