Daily Encouragementنموونە

There is much to encourage us as we face this word of the Lord, “Love one another.”

It is a command. Love for the brethren is not optional. We are not naturally attracted to some. The fact that we are commanded to love them will strengthen us in doing so.

It is exemplified by our Lord himself - “As I have loved you . . . ” This love is not soft or sentimental. It wears no blinkers and it gives itself unstintingly to others. It is not love merely “with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). It is the love we read about in 1 Corinthians chapter 13; it is Calvary love.

It impresses the world. Tertullian’s report of the pagan reaction in his day is well-known: “See how these Christians love one another!” “How is it that you fellows ‘get your feet under the table’ wherever we go in the world?” asked one naval man of his Christian mess-mate.

It does not mean that we agree in every particular. “I cannot help loving that people,” said George Whitefield of the Moravians, “because I believe they love Jesus in sincerity.” “Mr. Whitefield called on me,” wrote John Wesley. “He breathes nothing but love. Bigotry cannot stand before him, but hides its head wherever he comes.”