Devotions from Judy’s heart

How well do we love others? Jesus gave an important command to His disciples after He had finished washing their feet. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) Is that easy? No! Not everyone is easy to love, and the truth is that some people may find us hard to love.

Love is not just a feeling, but it is more: for example, we can make a decision to love even when the warm feelings are not present. That means loving those who have opposing views, loving those who use us and make life hard for us. It is a choice we make if we will treat them as Jesus would. Love is willing to sacrifice for others and is other-centered. It’s not all about how we are treated, but rather expressing God’s love and asking Him to help us love like Him.

We can love in many ways, and it is in more than words. Sometimes it means just stopping to listen to someone, hearing their story, and praying for their healing. It may be focusing on their good traits and then praying the Lord will help bring change to the rest. It is always good to remember how much God loves us, as Al would say, “Even in our stink!” We are not called to change others, but to point them to the Lord who can bring real change in His time frame. Some things we are not ready to deal with until something else in our life is healed, and only the Lord knows.

We may notice, though, that God brings people into our lives for a purpose. As we reach out to flawed people, we may get bruised, but that doesn’t let us off the hook. We are to pray for grace to love them and not give up on them. I am glad for those who never gave up on me.

Challenge for today: Make a point to love and pray for those in your life that are hardest to love, and forgive as you have been forgiven.

Blessing on your day and prayers and love, Judy