Scripture Verse: "As I have loved you, so you must love one another" (John 13:34)
Love one another. Of all the "one anothers" found in Scripture, loving one another ranks the highest, according to God. Love is included in the two Great Commandments He gave to the ancient Israelites, which Jesus reinterated during His time on earth: Love God and love your neighbor.
Love is supposed to be the most distinguishing characteristic of God's people. It is how those in our hate-filled, divisive world will know that we are truly His. Have we not love--if we ourselves are filled with hate, bitterness, resentment, and jealousy--then we are not His.
How are we to love?
Love Like Jesus
Unconditionally, uncompromisingly, unequivocally, and understandably.
Jesus died for everyone, regardless of their gender, race, age, ethnicity, or social status in life. He did not pick and chose whom He died for. His death is inclusive, for everyone who would believe.
Love Practically
We love with tolerance, with action, and with forgiveness. We may not agree with everyone on certain issues, but that is no excuse not to love them. We love everyone, even those we can't see eye-to-eye with.
We love with our hands and feet, not just our mouths. Our love is meant to be manifested in service to others, however that may look.
And we love by forgiving, feelings aside.
In short, we are to love as we have been loved. To love as we ourselves would like to be loved.
Be encouraged. Be blessed.
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