They’ll Know Us by Our Love

“It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, God’s job to judge, and my job to love.”

-Billy Graham

You know that person who gets under your skin at work? The family member who never fails to bring up politics at holiday dinners? The friend struggling with an addiction? Oh, what about the stranger taking your order at your favorite restaurant that is wearing lipstick and fingernail polish, even though they are a guy? We were called to love them, every single one of them. And it’s by our love that they will know who we come from. 

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

John 13:35

Notice Jesus says, “by love.” It’s by love people will know we are his disciples, not by judging others or aiding as a Pharisee.

What is love?

To love others, we should first understand what love is. Corinthians lays that out for us and I will share it. BUT to truly experience it, we need to spend time growing our relationship with the Lord. God show us his unfailing love daily and it’s by experiencing that firsthand that we can go out and pour that onto others. AND yes, that includes the people we think least deserve it. 

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. Love does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

How beautiful is that? It’s even more beautiful that God pours that upon us. We all sin and make mistakes and yet through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are able to ask for forgiveness, be forgiven, and have a relationship with the Father. I think that is an important thing to remember, “We all sin and make mistakes.” 

Billy Graham says,

I keep saying this, but that includes those who sin differently than us, look different, and yes, even those who have hurt us. Part of loving those that have hurt us, involves forgiving them. You can read more about forgiving the one the hurt you, HERE.

We are Called to be different

Jesus knows firsthand what it’s like to love those that hurt you. While he was hanging on the cross, he asked his Father in heaven to forgive the ones that put him there. I have always been amazed at that. My little brother was watching Passion of the Christ with me and asked why Jesus would forgive them. He wasn’t wrong to ask that question, but I think Jesus answers it perfectly here,

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous.

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 5:43-48

I like how Jesus says, “If you love those who love you what reward will you get?” Jesus has called us to be different. The world tells you to hate and turn your nose up to certain people, especially if they have wronged you. BUT Jesus is preaching the opposite of that message.

Unity is the goal

In the song “By Our Love” by for KING & COUNTRY, they paint a beautiful picture of love and unity. They say,

Just imagine that for a moment, all of us walking hand in hand loving each other. Most people already feel judged, if it’s not from people around them, it’s their internal dialogue. Let’s share the love of God. The mercy and grace God has poured onto us. Let’s extend that to those we initially want to judge. They may feel they’ve gone too far or engaged in too much for God to love them. Friends, let’s be the reason they don’t think that.

*A PRAYER CHALLENGE you can take into the week is for God to reveal to you where you are acting like a Pharisee. Ask God to help you love someone who you feel is difficult to love.

*I also want to point out, I am not talking about staying in abusive situations. God does not promote or tolerate abuse/mistreatment.

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