A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 13:34-35 (KJV)
They will know we are Christians by our love.
My latest course in God’s “love lesson curriculum” has been learning to love people. I thought I knew what love looked like and felt like, and I always thought I was good at love. I even learned sacrificial love as I walked my husband Home. I thought I had “love” down…no further lessons needed. Next topic…faith, hope, stewardship…what will it be?
God has been gently showing me that I have several more lessons to go. It started with me realizing and embracing the fact that people are messy. Next I realized, I can’t control anything or anyone, but myself. Let’s be honest, that’s not always possible either. Then I learned, everyone is working on something, even those who don’t call Jesus their Savior.
Recently, something happened in my life that rocked my world to its foundation. (Out of respect of those involved, I won’t share the intimate details.) Someone I love made a choice that turned their world upside down and as a result, my world was blown apart too. My heart became collateral damage. I had to watch them walk the path of desolation back to hope and restoration. I anticipated the consequences coming before they arrived. I spoke of the choices they were making and the consequences that could come. I spoke about how the consequences might be hard, long-lasting, and would change life forever. But, my warnings went unheeded.
So, when the day came, my loved one was so ashamed, they did not approach me for help for almost twenty-four hours, because they thought I would stop loving them. When I finally learned of their predicament, I was devastated. So, I began to just pray during the phone call. I asked my Father how I should respond; not only to the news, but to the fears this person had about me not loving them anymore. As I prayed and the conversation continued, my Savior sent me very clear instructions…..
Love.
“Excuse me, Savior, did You say love them?” “Yes, daughter, love them, pursue them, fill them to overflowing with love. Remind them of My love and that MY love flows through you.”
Love them.
Then, love them some more.
Let everywhere they turn be filled with love. Don’t chastise them or remind them of your warnings. No “I told you so” conversations. Just love them and then love them some more.
So, for once in my life, I listened the very first time, and I showed love, acceptance, grace and mercy. At every opportunity, I sent loving messages, phone calls, notes and scripture references. I reminded them that the Savior loved them, even at their worst, and by taking Jesus into their heart, things could be made new. He would make things right. It might take some time, but I assured them that I would walk this path with them.
A beautiful thing occurred. Love grew love. Our relationship is deeper and has more abundant love. The more love I poured out, the more it bonded us tighter together. There are consequences to the choices made and those will be hard. But, we are walking this road together and our load is lighter because we are filled to overflowing with love -for the Savior and for each other.
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
Dear Lord, Thank You for modeling Love. Thank You for modeling Grace and Restoration. Thank You for walking this path with me. I’m so blessed. Amen
Archive: Originally posted on awidowsmight.org in December 2015