“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” - John 15:12-14 (NRSVue)
If we look at those we love, we likely love them because we have a special bond with them somehow. In our families, we share a common heritage. In our friends, it may be because of similar interests, having lived in the same place, or working together. We love and accept each other, with all our eccentricities and quirks, because we are comfortable with each other. However, when we meet someone new or entirely different from ourselves, we may find love more challenging. We may be distrustful and even fearful because we are without context – we are in unfamiliar territory – and find it hard to love what we don’t understand.
But Jesus challenges us to expand our understanding of love. His teachings and actions provide a framework for understanding how to love beyond our comfort zones. In John 15:12-14, Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us, highlighting the self-sacrificial nature of true love.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated love for all people, regardless of their background or social status. He reached out to the marginalized, such as the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-26), the tax collector Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), and lepers and outcasts shunned by society. Jesus' actions show us that His love knows no boundaries and embraces those different from us.
In John 15:12-14, Jesus calls us to love as He has loved. This includes loving those difficult to love and those we do not understand. He laid down His life for us, the ultimate act of love and sacrifice, and invites us to follow His example by extending love and grace to everyone, especially those unlike us.
Jesus' love drives out fear and encourages us to move beyond our comfort zones. In 1 John 4:18, we are reminded that "there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." We can overcome our fears and prejudices by trusting His commandment and following His example. By relying on His love and grace, we can open our hearts to and learn to love others genuinely.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the perfect example of love that Jesus has shown us. Help us love others as He has loved us, breaking down barriers and extending grace to those different from us. Give us the courage to overcome our fears and to seek understanding and compassion in all our interactions. May Your love guide us as we strive to follow Jesus' commandment and make Your kingdom known on earth. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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