“Love one another as I have loved you.” I struggle knowing that I’m not asked to love my neighbor; it’s a requirement (Matthew 7:12). And the bigger challenge is knowing that I can’t pick and choose who my neighbors are, it’s inclusive to the ones that I don’t particularly care for and includes every person I meet.

When I read Jesus' instruction in the book of John, I realized that it was important to Him. Then it was echoed in Romans, Ephesians, 1 Peter, Galatians, Hebrews, 1 John, and 2 John. I think Jesus was trying to make a strong argument for reaching out to others and sometimes to the unlovable.

I made the commitment to put Jesus first in my life and, in return, He requires me to pass that love on to E V E R Y person I stumble upon. I’m suppose to love the W O R L D. I'm sure you will agree, that’s a huge obligation.

I’ll never forget the night I finally understood what all this means. I was getting ready for bed - taking my bath, brushing my teeth, combing my hair, and applying night cream to my face. It was in that moment, my reflection said, I don’t like what I see. I paused as if the reflection in the mirror had enlightened me. “I don’t always like myself!” There are times when I let myself down and I don’t act the way I know I should. There are times when I don’t want to look in the mirror and there are times I don’t feel lovable. Yet, Jesus loves me all the time and without conditions. That doesn’t mean He approves of my behavior – it means He understands that I make mistakes and continues to want to work through me to show others His love.

We all make mistakes and fall short of God’s expectations but He doesn’t stop loving us and He doesn’t turn His back on us. He continues to love the sinner in spite of our sinful nature. He wants what’s best for us and He wants all of His children to simply - get along.

That’s my Dad – that's my God – that’s the Example we are asked to follow.

Written by Brenda Bates – May 2006

Scripture:
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 13:34-35.

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
Romans 13:8

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.
1 Peter 1:22

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12

Prayer to the Father:
Heavenly Father we apologize each day for not being able to love each other the way You love us. We see the beggar on the street and wonder why he can’t find a job to pay his own way. We hear of the drunk driver who took someone else’s life while intoxicated and wonder why his life was spared and the other taken. We continue hearing the horrific stories of the assailants who vandalize, murder, rape, and steal from innocent people. We persistently categorize others by appearance, job status, church affiliation, age, gender, and social status. Yet we know that each person, all of us, needs some type of healing or transformation. The drunk who needs the help of Alcoholics Anonymous, the elderly who can’t take care of himself or herself needs loving care, or the parent who has to work multiple jobs to make ends meet while leaving a child unattended needs a dedicated friend. And Father, we all need compassion for others and we all need forgiveness from YOU. We fail miserably by judging others and then trying to justify our own actions. We know that Jesus, the Perfect One, is the Prototype for the way You want us to live. Help us to be more like Jesus. Help us to see the good in each other instead of the flaws. Help us Lord to see the opportunities in our daily lives that will glorify You. Forgive us for being hypocritical and condescending towards our neighbors and allow us to shine the Light of the world in the dark areas of our neighborhoods. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

My Personal Thoughts:
Too often I look at another sinner and judge accordingly instead of trying to understand the root of their pains. We all hurt. We all have needs. We all fall short of being like Jesus. WWJD? What Would Jesus Do? He would, will, and does continue to love us in spite of our sinful nature and the dreadful pain we cause others. We need Jesus more than the air we breathe. In the song, “Have I Told You Lately?” I find some very powerful words…I hope you do too.