Passage of the Day:
We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God[a] is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. 9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister[b] is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister[c] lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them, 1 John 2:3-11.
Reflection:
One of the principles that Jesus emphasized to his disciples was love in action. During the Passion Week, Jesus explains that true love is demonstrated by laying down your own life for your friends, John 15:13. Meanwhile, one of Jesus’ disciples highlights Jesus’ expectations for those who desire to follow Him, Matthew 16:24-27. True disciples must deny their own fleshly desires, be willing to die for their faith and demonstrate Jesus’ love by emulating His practices. While Jesus tells those in attendance of His Sermon on the Mount to strive for perfection, Matthew 5:48, demonstrating the love of Jesus should be a daily goal for Christians.
Prayerful Action:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” John 13:34-35.
Retracing Your Steps:
At the end of each day or week, Christians can evaluate their faith based upon their degree of love. If love is lacking in your life, there may be something going on spiritually such as the apostle Paul’s words in Galatians 5:16-17 and Romans 8:5-8. A similar message is shared with the Church at Galatia and Rome: don’t let your sinful nature quench the Holy Spirit’s desire for you to love other people. Whether you retrace your steps in the form of an accountability group or prayer at the end of each day, ask God to give you a heart to love like Jesus.
Song of the Day:
Love takes time to blossom like planting a garden each spring. Love requires discipline, nurturing and support to keep this alive during the dark times in your life. May today’s song inspire you to start making the love of Jesus a daily goal, to shine bright each day, Matthew 5:14-16.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 