April 12, 2012
Transformational Thought
A friend of mine went to a concert to hear one of his favorite recording artists of all time, Kenny Loggins. His description of the music and the show were great. But more interesting to me was a story my friend shared about an interesting encounter that night.
Before the doors opened, he noticed a much younger man who really stuck out because he was covered with tattoos. He actually had large fangs tattooed on his lower lip and chin with blood dripping down. My friend first thought …”this guy scares me,” and he wondered why a guy like that would be at a Kenny Loggins concert.
A few minutes later they were standing right next to each other, and when their eyes met, he offered the most genuine smile … and today’s scripture came into his mind. He began asking him about his tattoos … and then they talked about Kenny Loggins. They both really loved Kenny’s music. The tattoo man was kind, polite and very reserved. When 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. Now I certainly don’t know his story … but I do know one thing … like you and me, he needs God’s 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 having or displaying to anyone … but He is telling us to follow His example. Jesus loves us unconditionally and 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 everything they want. Our actions should be based on their needs for growth, not our needs for comfort.
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 too, demonstrating love through actions … even when we don’t “feel” like it.
Today, ask God to help you see the tattooed person in your life 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. Love in your decision, so choose well.
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 sometimes. Allow me to be more humble to the Holy Spirit and to apply Your instruction to my relationships more intentionally. 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
Thursday, April 12, 2012
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