How Much do we Love Others
“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his
Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought
also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one
another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we
that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And
we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of
the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in
him, and he in God.” (1 John 4: 10 - 15 KJV)
How much do we love others? Do we love them as much as God loves us? Of course
not, the love that God and Jesus give us can never be equaled. However, we are
to forgive one another and love one another unconditionally as they forgive us
and love us. Loving one another is not an option; it is a commandment. “This
is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love
hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my
friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15: 12 -14).
Jesus said “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” Do you
love others as He has commanded you? If not, then you are not His friend. It is
a privilege and an honor to be a friend of Jesus. He has also told us that we
are to forgive when people hurt us. Are you forgiving people when they hurt you
or are you harboring bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness in your heart? If
you are not forgiving those who hurt you, Jesus said that you are not His
friend. May God have mercy on us if we fail to forgive and love others!
Heavenly Father, we come to You and ask that You would please forgive us when we
refuse to forgive the ones who hurt us. Help us always to remember, dear Father,
that none of us are perfect and that all of us hurt each other. Thank You for
loving us so much that You sent Your beloved Son to die for our sins. We love
You, Heavenly Father, and we appreciate all that You do for us. May we be
children that will bring happiness to You instead of children that hurt You.
Please search our hearts and if there is anything that displeases You and hurts
You we ask that You would please forgive us. In the precious name of Jesus, we
pray. Amen.
Joanne Lowe
October 19, 2008
joannelowe8@cox.net
www.fromtheheartofjesus.blogspot.com