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Jesus was all about being real and not just doing things for show.
We often gloss over this command without stopping to think what it actually looks like to do it. We live in a culture that cancels anyone who disagrees with us or that we don't get along with. As Christians we're instructed to love our enemies and do good to them instead.
The commandment to love one another was new or fresh because previously, the Jews had been commanded to love their neighbour as themselves, but Jesus commanded his followers to love each other like he loved us - that's big love!
 Ephesians 5:2 says, Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.
To love like Jesus, we need to look at the Bible. Jesus was compassionate - Matthew 14:14 Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Jesus felt sorry for the people so he healed those who were sick. Jesus was forgiving - Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” When he hung on the cross he forgave the people that put him there. Jesus was humble and servant-hearted - Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others. He associated with people who others considered unimportant such as children, lepers, Samaritans, and tax collectors. Jesus' love is great - John 15:13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Jesus' love is so great that he sacrificed himself for us, his friends. His love is great, it's big, it's huge! Jesus loved in actions, not just words - 1 John 3:18 Let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Jesus didn't just say he loved people, he showed them by his actions. He loved them by healing them, feeding them, listening to them, being kind to them and dying for them. Can you think of one way that you can love like Jesus today?  Ephesian 4:32 says, Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ. It's easy to to be kind and love people you like, but it can be difficult to be kind and loving to people you are related to or are difficult get along with.
When I find it hard to love difficult people, I try to see them through God's eyes. He created them, loves them, and sees them as worthwhile. Here are some other Bible verses about loving people: Matthew 5:43-44 You have heard people say, “Love your neighbors and hate your enemies.” But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. 1 John 4:8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. John 13:35 All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other. This week is Random Acts of Kindness Week. Get creative and try to be kind to as many people as you can this week. |
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