Have you been hurt and find it challenging to love that person in return?
Has God placed someone “different” in your midst?
Congratulations! You’ve been handed a marvellous gift.
When I saw the latest printable by @kristina.proffitt, called “Love Like Jesus”, I immediately saw a cross where the cards met. Then, the speaker at our church last Sunday spoke on loving others from Matthew 5:44-46.
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?
Matthew 5:44-46
Just do it
He reminded us that agape love is not dependent on how we FEEL but on who we ARE as children of God. We should love because that’s just who we are and what we do.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
John 13:34
This may seem like a “fake it til you make it” kind of mindset, and insincere as a result. But, I see it as cultivating the fruit of faithfulness. That is, being steadfast, resolute, stubborn even to do what Jesus commands, no matter what. It is responding with loving kindness, no matter what, and becoming more loving in the process.
However, it is important to know what love is and how that looks in practice. Spoiler alert – it is not as depicted in popular culture. It likely is contrary to your instincts. It is vital to know God (Who is the essence of Love) and His word (His testimony and example) to love as Jesus did. It is to be done prayerfully while relying on His strength and leading.
Love others, love God
I think our ability to love others can be revolutionized if we start seeing Him in others. This is true for all humans made in His image. It is especially true for those who are indwelled by His Spirit – we are speaking to, and interacting with, not only them but Him as well.
How would you treat Jesus?
We see this truth in the conversion story of Saul (before he became the Apostle Paul) in Acts 9. On his way to Damascus, in his persecution of the early church, he encountered Jesus Who said to him: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”
The encounter left him blind; I think to illustrate his spiritual blindness. A disciple, called Ananias, who was in Damascus was then sent by Jesus to heal Saul. He initially resisted because of fear but Jesus told him Saul was His chosen instrument to spread the gospel. Ananias obeyed and when he found Saul, he addressed him as “brother” before healing him. Saul was healed, baptized, discipled, then sent.
What could be the result of your obedience?
Products used
My journaling is in my faith journal which is a basic, blank, A5 notebook.
I used the following printables by Kristina for Illustrated Faith’s digital Print Pray Shop:
The stamp set (Debbie’s Faves | Elaine Edition) and washi tapes are also by Illustrated Faith. They are older products that I had in my stash, and no longer in stock.
Be encouraged
🎶 I Love You To Death ~ TEMITOPE
Now, that gift I mentioned? It is multifaceted.
It is an opportunity to reveal the heart of the Father, glorify Him, and prove that He loves people. It is also to bring forth our true nature as we grow in love. And, it is also to store up treasure in heaven.
Thank You, Lord! Thank You for the opportunities. Thank You for Your example.
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
