Love One Another

The Bible is full of admonitions to love one other, especially in the New Testament. In fact, it is easy to gloss over these many references without pondering what they really mean. So in a moment of mindfulness, ponder with me reminders of what this really means.

First of all, patience and kindness are at the forefront. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness” (Gal 5:22), “Love is patient, love is kind” (1 Cor 13). Much has been said about how more patience and kindness are needed in the world today. So, be the change you want to see. Because God's love is patient and kind to you, be patient and kind to the driver cutting you off or tailgating you. Be patient and kind to the annoying coworker, the misbehaving child. Even in a relationship as close as marriage, take a step back to objectively see if familiarity has dulled your patience and kindness – sharpen them up with Holy Spirit connection to God's love.

Another factor pointed out by Paul is speaking the truth in love. “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ” (Eph 4:15), and “Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body” (Eph 4:25). This aspect of love is an important fruit that is a sign of spiritual maturity. Many of us handle conflict by avoidance or aggressiveness; these verses are calling us to a balance evidenced by confronting (speaking truth), but with love (a kind and patient and unselfish demeanor).

Paul continues his thoughts to the Ephesians, “be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” (Eph 4:32-5:2). Kindness is mentioned again, along with being tenderhearted or compassionate. Further, these verses us encourage us that to love is to imitate God / follow Jesus' example, especially in forgiveness and self-sacrifice. Can you smell the sacrifice burning on the altar now? That odor is sweet and pleasant to God.

About the Author: Erin Duncan is a volunteer with All Nations International. She is on the journey to learning her role as a member of Christ’s body and as a gospel-bearer. In addition to these roles, she is a wife, dog mom, paralegal, and coffee shop connoisseur.

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