Love one another

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. – 1 John 4:7

Brandon Moody was attending his uncle D. L. Moody’s church on Easter morning. The final scene in the impressive pageant was a depiction of Jesus’ ascension into heaven. The actor who was playing Jesus was being hosted by stagehands through an opening in the ceiling. But when he was halfway up, they lost their grip and down came the actor –thankfully uninjured. With amazing presence of mind, the actor said to the shocked congregation, "And one more thing. Love one another."

Love was so important to Jesus that He told His disciples shortly before His arrest and crucifixion, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another . . . . By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35).

John, known as the disciple whom Jesus loved (and the man who recorded these words of Jesus), wrote much about love in his first letter. Several times in chapter 4, the apostle urged his fellow believers to "love one another" (1 John 4:7, 11-12).

No matter what is happening in our lives, let’s make Jesus’ commandment and John’s exhortation our mission statement: "Love one another." – Vernon Grounds

Lord, when I learn that someone is hurting,
Help me know what to do and to say;
Speak to my heart and give me compassion,
Let Your great love flow through me today. – K. De Haan

READ: 1 John 4:7-12

A little love can make a big difference.

The Bible in one year:

• Job 5-7
• Acts 8:1-25