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And now I ask you, dear lady-not as though I were writing you a new commandment but the one we had from the beginning-that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so you should walk in it. 2 John 5-6 (ESV)
The Apostle John penned these words to “the elect lady and her children”. He emphasizes the importance of the commandment that we love one another. He stresses our need to live it out before others.
The Life Application Bible gives a good explanation of John’s message. “The statement that Christians should love one another is a recurrent New Testament theme. Yet love for one’s neighbor is an old command, first appearing in the first book of Moses (Leviticus 19:18) We can show love in many ways by avoiding prejudice and discrimination, by accepting people, by listening, helping, giving, serving and refusing to judge. Knowing God’s command is not enough. We must put it into practice, walking in obedience to his commands.” (1.) (Emphasis is mine.)
In my prayer group, we recently had a discussion about displaying God’s love to others, especially those who struggle with difficulties that stem from traumatic events in their lives. We thought on loving our neighbors as we love ourselves.
We realized that when we love our neighbors, our Christian brothers and sisters, and even our family members, we are not to judge them. Loving them involves serving them, giving them an ear when they need to talk, and hugging them when they need reassurance.
John reminds us that we should truly love one another, obey God’s commands, and walk the Christian walk with Him beside us.
( (1.) Life Application Bible, New International Version © 1973, 1978, 1991 Tyndale House Publishers Inc. Page 2286 (Notes)
Thank you. Good reminder.
ReplyDeleteAritha: You're welcome. We all need to be reminded of these things from time to time.
DeleteThis is an excellent admonition to love our neighbors as well as our Christian brothers and sisters, family members, etc., even those who may try our patience with their "neediness". I need an extra amount of patience and love when it comes to this sometimes, as I tend to get impatient with those who just can't forgive and/or forget and get on with life. I have to remember that I am not walking in their shoes, and try to love them as Christ loves them...with divine mercy, grace, and patience. Let Jesus love through us is the key.
ReplyDeletePam: There is so much to what John says here and, yet, it is so simple. We are to LOVE those around us. We are to be Jesus to them. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Peace and Blessing.
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