As Christians, it is sometimes hard to like people much less love them. Yet that is exactly what we are called to do. We are given a blueprint for love in 1 John 4: 18-20.
18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 19 We love, because He first loved us. 20 If someone says, “I love God,” and yet he hates his brother or sister, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother and sister whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. (NASB)
Did you see the key? The only way we can love others is to remember that He loved us first. His love in us enables us to love others. It is a love like Jesus had. Let’s think about how Jesus loved.
Jesus loved those who misunderstood him
Jesus loved people from all walks of life. He associated with the upper class and the lower class. He made time for seekers and outcasts. In doing so, He was often misunderstood. He made his home among everyone and accepted everyone. Yet He was not accepted by everyone. The religious leaders called Him a blasphemer. And a devil. He kept time with sinners so he must be a sinner.
Have you ever been misunderstood because of your words or actions? Who is it that has misunderstood you? Did they misunderstand your words or actions? People may not always understand what God calls you to do. And that is ok. God doesn’t need their permission or yours for that matter. He calls you to follow him and to obey him. When you know for certain God has called you, follow him.
Jesus loved those who hated him
Jesus loved those who hated him. They mostly began with those who misunderstood him, and that misunderstanding deepened into hate. They seemed to follow him everywhere. In every town Jesus went to, they were there. Scribes, Pharisees, religious leaders just waiting to find fault, waiting to trip him up. Jesus still loved them. He still gave his life for them.
Have you ever been in a situation where you knew someone hated you, and you found you could love them anyway? Have you done some wrong that you can make right? Or had they just taken a dislike to you? If you can make it right, then the ball is in your corner, so to speak. If not, then all you can do is love them anyway.
Jesus loved those who betrayed him
Jesus had been betrayed by those closest to him. We know about Judas. Judas sold him out for thirty pieces of silver. Jesus was not what he expected. Maybe he thought his betrayal could force Jesus’s hand. Instead, it led to the cross, which was not what he had in mind. Yet Jesus loved Judas anyway. Jesus knew what Judas was. Still, he called him to be his disciple. When Judas led the officials to the Mount of Olives, Jesus called him “friend.” Still, Jesus loved him.
Judas wasn’t the only one who betrayed Jesus. If you think about it, Peter also betrayed Jesus. No, he didn’t sell him out for money. He didn’t hand him over to the religious leaders of the day. But he betrayed him just the same. He denied that he even knew Him. Not once, but three times. The difference between Judas and Peter? Peter immediately was sorrowful and showed repentance. Judas was sorrowful, but his sorrow did not lead to repentance.
Have you ever been betrayed by someone close to you? What was your reaction? Vengeance? Anger? Separation? Or was it forgiveness and reconciliation?
How have you betrayed Jesus? Have you kept quiet when you should have spoken? Did you go down a different aisle in the grocery rather than run into someone you rather not? In all truth, we are all guilty of betraying Jesus in some way. Yet, still, He loves us. He stands ready to forgive and restore us. Should we do any less for one who betrays us?
As we conclude the holiday season this year, let’s focus on our love for others. We can love because He first loved us. Maybe we need to enter the New Year with the goal of practicing love for other people. Maybe we need to start with those who misunderstand us, hate us and betray us. Maybe we just need to start by showing love to someone today.
I am glad you have been with All for One through my first few months. They have been a learning experience for me, and I still have a lot to learn. I look forward to sharing next year with you as we continue to give our All for One.
Angela
