Loving One Another

1John 4:7-8

John was known as the disciple whom Jesus loved.  I cannot help but think that was, in part at least, because John was full of love.  He wrote quite a bit about love.  It was John who wrote the "golden text" of the Bible, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16) and "God is Love" (1John 4:8).  It was also John who gave the command, through inspiration, "Beloved, let us love one another" (1John 4:7).  We often think of love as a feeling, an emotion.  And it is.  Love is the most powerful emotion human beings can experience.  But love is more than merely an inward feeling of admiration and care and concern.  Love is action.  And it is by our actions that we truly love one another.  Here are some ways we can love each other:

1. Offer a compliment of kind word.  We so often get caught up in our cares and concerns we forget that our brothers and sister have their own.  A kind word from someone can pick us up when we are down.  It can strengthen us when we are weak.

2. Be sparing with criticism.  There is value in criticism.  It is a tool that, when used correctly, promotes needed growth.  But if used incorrectly it tears down rather than builds up.  Always offer criticism kindly an , whenever possible, privately.

3. Be generous with kind deeds.  We all need help from time to time and who better to give that help than a brother or sister in Christ.  An act as simple as holding a door or picking up a dropped coin reveals the love in our hearts.

4. Pray for each other.  There is nothing of greater value we can do for those we love than mention them in prayer to God.  In doing so we can help them with struggles and burdens we are not even aware of.  Paul set a great example of praying for those eh loved.  Not only did he pray for them bur eh told them about his prayers.  Knowing that someone is praying for us is a great source of encouragement and joy.

5. Say the words.  Too often we let the opportunity pass.  Each of us, I am sure, can think of a loved one who has passed away.  What would you give for just one more chance to say, "I love you"?  It only takes a moment but it can last a lifetime.

Indeed, let us love one another.  And let us show our love, to each other and to God, by our actions.

Thomas Sneed

Pond Church of Christ

 

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