Today's Readings: New Testament -
John 13:31-38
Philippians 4:14-23
Old Testament -
Psalms 122
2 Kings 24-25
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: John 13:34-35
34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Insight:
Jesus calls his followers to love each other. The love he commands is the same love he has exemplified. Following Jesus means loving like Jesus. This type of love is the true mark of the true disciple.
Response & Action:
If I am to love others as Jesus loves, I will need to know and understand all I can about Jesus and his love. I must read, study, contemplate, and emulate all that the scriptures reveal about his example of what love should be. I cannot duplicate something I do not know.
Since mature followers of Jesus have more experience at practicing and pursuing Christlike love, there is much to be gained from following their example too. I will pay attention to the lives and actions of those who have been following Christ for a long time. Those who are mature, committed, and growing in their walk with Jesus are a visible example of what Jesus' love looks like in my world. I will copy them as they copy Christ.
O Lord, help me to know and understand the love of Jesus. Help me to experience it. Help me to share it. Help me live out love in such a way that it is clear to all around me that I am following Jesus. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 John 2:5-6
5 "But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."
Resources:
40 Days Living the Jesus Creed
by Scot McKnight
