I have been in 1st and 2nd John this past week in my devotions and one concept keeps coming to the surface–loving one another. In just these 2 books John uses the phrase “love one another” 6 times (and they are short books). Did a search on Biblegateway.com and the New Testament lists the phrase 13 times. Here’s one example:

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God.
Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.
1 John 4:7 (NLT)

As I thought and prayed about this concept this morning two thoughts come to mind:

1. Love one another is important to God…and should therefore be important to us (keeping in mind that these passages were written specifically to Christ followers) AND

2. God obviously sees this as a potential problem among His children because He keeps reminding us to do it (must not come all that naturally)

It’s easy to think this commandment is so simple…and it is in theory. Putting it into practice when the “rubber meets the road” is often a very different thing. Am I willing to put my own interests and concerns and comfort aside and instead seek the best interests of my brother or sister in Christ? Easier said than done…but Christ is (as usual) our example. As men are nailing Him to a cross He focuses not on Himself but extends them grace.

Not so sure I would have been so gracious and loving. Not sure I’m doing it today.