My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:12-13, NIV)
A number of years ago I went to a concert, while at this concert the lead singer began to talk about another artist that had fallen into some tough times and had made some unhealthy choices. The artist was not condemning with his comments, but showed a great deal of compassion toward his fellow artist and brother in Christ. He wrote a song as a reminder to himself and others on how we shouldn’t kick someone when they are down. I have heard it said that, “the church is the only place that eats their wounded.” When I first heard the statement I thought that it was harsh and extreme, but the more I processed it I found it had some merit. When someone falls and makes an unhealthy choice we are quick to pass judgment, whether it is infidelity, unwanted pregnancy, or rebellious children we are quick to judge. One of the reasons I think is that in some way we feel like it may set us above others, I believe however its roots are found in the flesh nature and the ways of society. When someone messes up we pass judgment. To substantiate that statement just watch the news for a few weeks and see how the court of public opinion works. Jesus in speaking to his disciples reminds them of what they saw Him do. In John 15 he reminds them of the love and relationship He had with the Father. He modeled an attitude of humility surrendered to the Fathers will. He also modeled God’s love in how he treated not only the disciples, but also those in the community. Jesus knew that his precious followers would undergo trials and struggles and that those pressures would try to divide them. Jesus makes the statement, “if you love me you will obey my command” and His command was that his disciples then and now would imitate his sacrificial love, an unconditional love that supports, builds up, and strengthens each other. The church is to be a unified force, sacrificially meeting the needs of the church family, lifting up the name of Jesus, and reaching out to the community. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater. “Father God, in Jesus name I ask you to help me tame my tongue; help me to do my part in the church. Help me to build up instead of tear down, those whom you love. Help me to imitate your love in the church.” Amen. -DR
Yorumlar