By Our Love:
Christian friends, Have you ever thought about how the neighbourhood will get to know that God sent His Son?1.
Have you ever checked out how the neighbourhood will become aware of this truth – that God sincerely loves each of us as His children?
And in any case, how will the neighbourhood recognise who we are?
Perhaps it’s when we live together in harmony – having an agreement of opinions.
Or maybe it’s our unity – the quality of being united into one.
Now let’s consider this: The meat and potatoes of harmony, or unity – comes from embracing the Fathers love towards us, directing our love towards Him, and conveying our love towards those who He loves.
Wow, that’s an amazing thought!
Sure-enough, how wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!2.
It’s loving and being loved!
Without any doubt, love holds us together!
So, as the apostle Paul indicates, let’s pour ourselves out for each other in acts of love – being alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.3.
For this reason, let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault!4.
Let’s welcome with open arms those brothers and sisters who don’t see things the way we do.5.
And let’s appreciate each other – the distinct personalities of each other, showing respect towards one another – so enabling, equipping, and encouraging one another to serve the neighbourhood in which we live.
And this is how everyone will recognise that we are His children – when they see the love we have for each other.6.
By our love, they will know that we symbolize, make clear and visible, the real character and nature of God.
1 John 17:21
2 Psalm 133:1
3 Ephesians 4:3
4 Romans 14:19
fn95 Romans 14:1
6 John 13:35