A new commandment I give unto you,
That ye love one another; as I have loved you,
that ye also love one another.
John 13:34
Not that I think I'm a terribly hateful person or anything, but I know I have room to improve in the loving others category. When I speak of others, I mean it in the most literal sense. Others does not include my children and friends and the family members who are easy to love. I have no need to be commanded to love this set of people. By others, at least when God is talking to me, I think he means the individuals who fall under the "Other" category who are not so easy to love--the people we avoid or justify unkindness toward because they somehow deserve it. I have one person in particular who I have allowed myself to speak about in almost 100% negative ways for the past couple of years.
As I contemplate on what I can do during this month to become more Christ-like, I know I need to cultivate more love for the Others (most likely in the form of true patience and charity for at least this one person). I hope you will join me.
If you have any experiences with this challenge throughout the month, feel free to share it in the comments section.
What a great challenge. I am doing a challenge at my church called Fight Club Pink (read some of it here: http://dinacoverstone.blogspot.com/2013/02/im-fighter.html) We are working through the fruit of the Spirit. This past week was patience and the upcoming week is kindness. It has been very eye-opening, but good for my soul. Praying for you as you step up to the challenge.
ReplyDelete