"The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:31
First and foremost, as we have been studying, we should love God with all of our being. But, Jesus calls us to love others as well, and I don't really think the two can be separated. John tells us this: "For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen." 1 John 4:20. We cannot honestly say that we love God unless we love each other. Of course we all say that we love God, but do our actions speak love toward one another as well?
I think the concept of loving others can be summed up quite simply: Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31. The Golden Rule, and I'm sure we all know it. But, as with many things, so often we have a tendency to twist it around in a more self-serving way. For us it's more of a "Do unto others as they do unto you." kind of thing. And we completely let ourselves and each other get away with it.
This is NOT what God intended. What God demands of us is that we love one another. That we love each other as much as we love ourselves. That we treat others the way we would WANT to be treated. That we love each other as Christ loved us. Jesus says: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" John 13:34.
I challenge you. The next time you are dealing with a difficult person or situation, take a moment to ask yourself, "How would I want to be treated?" And really think about an honest answer. It's easy to get into a mindset of being "justified" and thinking that some people just "deserve" a short or rude response from us. But, really no one wants to be treated badly, even if they deserve it. I can think of so many examples when I have been short with someone who has responded to me with true kindness and love, and what that has meant to me. That kind of love and grace is what I owe to those around me, to respond to them in a way that I would WANT to be treated, always acting in love and not reacting to how I have been treated.
It's not an option. It is the second greatest commandment.
Lord, I pray that you would give me true love and compassion for those around me. I pray that I wouldn't be judgmental or respond in kind when I feel I have been wronged. I pray that I will give each person the benefit of the doubt and see them as you see them instead. I pray that you will open my eyes and help me to reach out in love to those who are in need or suffering. Lord, let me love them like you love me. I know that I cannot do this alone, but I know that through you I can.
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This week's daily study verses:
Monday: Luke 6:27-32
Tuesday: 1 Corinthians 16:14
Wednesday: 1 John 4:7
Thursday: Romans 13:10
Friday: 1 Peter 4:8
Saturday: John 13:35
Sunday: 1 John 4:12
Join us in the forum for a discussion about this week's lesson and these verses.
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