"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." ~John 15:12
Here we find a direct command from God. These three words tell us how to interact with people around us. John 13:35 says, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." We can have no greater testimony, whether among believers or nonbelievers, than that we demonstrate love to others.
Notice also in this verse that He says to love as He has loved us. In verse 9 He says, "...continue ye in my love." That means we are to love without constraint, from a heart overflowing with grace and forgiveness toward others.
I have found that love usually involves sacrifice. Whether it be yielding my desires, my time, or my will, showing love often means putting others first.
As I mentioned previously, this year I am memorizing what I call "one another" passages - those that deal with how we are to act toward others. John 15:1-14 is the first one I have chosen. Since my mind isn't quite as quick as it used to be, I've given myself till the end of February to memorize this Scripture. My prayer is that by memorizing this passage and meditating on its message, I will become more consistent in showing love to others.
This is a great passage to memorize!
ReplyDeleteThis is very inspiring, Tracey, and exactly what each of us followers of Christ should be seeking to do! Thank you for this encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI just added John 15 to my "Memverse" account to memorize this year as well! I pray the Lord will give me a burden for others as I study that passage as well.
Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to your "others" posts in the future as well. :)
Blessings,
Katie
In a world that is so focused on self, this is such a necessary thing to do - to truly learn to "love one another". That is an excellent passage to learn, Tracey! :)
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