Wednesday, January 8, 2014   “Love Others” by Bethany Chroniger

Scriptures: Matthew 22:39-40; 1 John 4:19-21

    1 John 4:19-21 is very convicting for me. According to this passage, I can’t say that I love God and hate my brother. They are dependent on each other.

     It is a little test. Do I love my brother? If the answer is no, then I do not truly love God. Now we can debate about what it means to love our brother. We can even debate about who is our brother, like the Pharisees did with Jesus.

     Too often we debate and discuss, but hardly ever do what the Bible says. Sometimes we over-complicate the commands of God. Lack of love for others might be easy to justify, but it is never right and shows what is really in our hearts.

     The real test of our love for God is how we treat others. We need to see others through Jesus’ eyes. If you love others, you are reflecting Christ and making it evident that He is working through you.

Reflection: 

Do I love my neighbor/my brother? If not, maybe I need to get right with God. If “they will know that we are Christians by our love” is true, then what example of love are we demonstrating in our actions/reactions with our brothers?

Prayer:

Father, Forgive me when I fall short of the glory of God. Thank You for Your grace and perfect love that casts out all fear. Help me to love others and see them through Your eyes. Amen

Pray for:     Our brethren in Australia, New Zealand and all other new fields in that region.