Stepping Stones: “Love One Another”

Transformational Thought

I went to a Kenny Loggins concert yesterday … my favorite recording artist of all time. Before the doors opened, people were just milling around. I noticed a particular young man who was covered with tattoos … and wondered why a guy like that would be at a Kenny Loggins concert. He actually had large fangs tattooed on his lower lip and chin with blood dripping down. My first thought …”this guy scares me.”

A few minutes later I found myself standing right next to him, and when our eyes met, he offered the most genuine smile … and today’s scripture came into my mind. I began asking him about his tattoos … and then we talked about Kenny Loggins. Like me, this young man loved Kenny’s music. He was kind, polite and very reserved. When I asked which tattoo was his favorite, he pointed to a little Christmas tree on the top of his hand. Even with his fangs tattoo, he was no longer scary to me. Now I certainly don’t know his story … but I do know one thing … like you and me, he needs attention and love.

The Scriptures offer a multitude of “one another” commands concerning relationships with others … encourage one another, be devoted to one another, honor one another, live in harmony with one another, accept one another, instruct one another, serve one another, forgive one another … and on and on. “Love one another” is at the core of all of them.

In today’s scripture, Jesus tells us to love one another as He has loved us. Of course, Jesus’ love is greater than we can ever imagine … but He is telling us to follow His example. Jesus loves us unconditionally. He wants us to love others unconditionally … not based on personality or looks or behavior or even feelings. Unconditionally. Now that doesn’t mean we give them all they want, but our actions should be based on their needs for growth, not ours.

Jesus loved with His actions, humbling Himself, coming to earth as a baby, and growing and living among us ... suffering the indignities and torture of the cross, demonstrating the depth of His love in ways words could not begin to explain. Jesus wants us to love unconditionally. To demonstrate love through action … even when we don’t “feel” like it.

Today, ask God to help you see this person through His eyes. Ask Him to help you love this person even if he or she doesn’t “deserve” it. And then step out in faith and love through your actions. As we in the family of God demonstrate our love for each other, even as Jesus demonstrated His love for us, others will “know we are His disciples.” Our love for one another can help draw them to see and accept the perfect love of Jesus.

Prayer
Dear Father God, help me to love others in the way You love me. Help me to love unconditionally. Help me to demonstrate my love with action … even when I don’t feel like it. Thank You for loving me unconditionally. Thank You for demonstrating your love in such marvelous ways. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who loved through his actions, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
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