Walking by Love
"This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it." 2 John 1:6 NKJV
In answer to a question by the Pharisees, "which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus replied, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Mt 22:37-39) The common denominator, of course, is to show love in all things.
We know this to be true, yet we find it challenging to follow. Our baser human instinct, the same one that caused Adam and Eve to eat the fruit, is our self-interest. Forget everyone else; I'm looking out for “me”–and mine when there's something to gain. Such is the disastrous temptation of sin. We know this; we have witnessed countless times its sad results, yet we keep falling for the same thing. Like the screeching seagulls in Finding Nemo, its “Mine, Mine, Mine!”
Imagine instead obeying God's command to love, putting others before ourselves. Putting God before whatever else we want to do. Setting aside some time in our days packed with the things "we need to do," to read the Bible, meditate, and pray. We prioritize taking that one hour from the weekend parties and chores to attend church and worship our Creator. Not because we see it as an obligation but because we love him. Then there is that second command, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." We are to kive those neighbors known to us and those we haven't yet met. If we act in love at all times instead of self-interest, how would that change our relationships with our families, friends, communities, nation, and world? I do not promise this wlll remove all conflict and end wars, but it will certainly change the dialogue.
God of Love, we confess we are imperfect people who frequently place our wants and desires above your command to love. We have failed to love you and our neighbors as we should. Forgive us; we pray, replace our hearts of selfishness with the love of Jesus. By the Holy Spirit, help us to walk in love. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
