Life Lessons From The Camino De SantiagoΔείγμα

Love Is Enough

One thing that surprised me while walking the Camino was how many non-Christians were making the trek. For over a thousand years The Way has been a pilgrimage primarily made by Christians seeking repentance. Many who walk it now are doing it more as an adventure or for spiritual reasons that aren’t associated with Christ. For some, it’s a rolling party.

While I’m more comfortable associating with fellow believers, I found myself spending a lot of time walking with and socializing with non-Christians. It didn’t mean that I adopted their values or beliefs, but I did treat them with love and respect. I learned from them, enjoyed their company, and hoped they might see the love of Christ in my wife and me.

Legend has it that the apostle John died in Ephesus when he was about 100 years old. In his later years, he reportedly encouraged his disciples by telling them, “Little children, love one another.”

When one disciple asked John why he didn’t tell stories of the Christ but just repeated that one mantra, John responded, “It is the Lord’s command, and if this alone be done, it is enough.”

If there is a clear theme in the New Testament, it is “Love one another.” Jesus commands it, the writings of the gospels and other books in the New Testament emphasize it, and the stories throughout reflect Christ’s love for all. Jesus was criticized for associating with sinners and non-believers of all stripes. But his example was clear: Love one another—not just those who share our beliefs and values.

It seems as if in the modern world our reaction is to reject or criticize those who don’t walk the same path as us. But Christ’s command, emphasized by his last apostle, is clear, “Love one another.”

Questions to Consider:

• What persons have I avoided because they don’t share my beliefs?
• How can I reach out to them in love?
• When am I going to do it?