One of the most intimate things Jesus told his disciples was this simple command, “Love one another.”  And these were not mere words because Jesus reminded them that he had shown them exactly what this looked like.  There wasn’t any speculation.  He showed them a love that was compassionate, kind, peacemaking, service-oriented, and for all people regardless of race, sex, or creed.  Through his example, I believe that Jesus expected this to be the guiding principle of his followers and that they would learn to wear love like they did their favorite tunic and sandals. 

Because of the short narratives of the books and letters that follow the gospels, it is hard to tell the exact impact this command had on the growing community of faith and the world beyond.  It is apparent that the love of God did not eradicate hate.  That persisted then and continues to persist today.

In our modern times, we hear about hate and we see it on display.  We see battles between ethnic groups and nation states.  We hear devastated families talk about their hate for the fentanyl crisis.  We talk about migrants in terms that are considered hateful.  We even talk about one another’s voting record and do so with hate dripping off our tongues.  Some even hate the idea of free speech because their social media feeds are filled with hate speech from hateful people.  If you do a quick internet search, you can read article after article addressing the issue of hate in our culture and world.  And because of the voluminous accounts of this, you could easily find yourself feeling hopeless.

Fortunately, there is still a remnant called God’s people who gather in our houses of worship and serve in our ministries of mission and justice.  There still exists a collective community that is trying to listen to Jesus’ commandment, “love one another” and to expand the vision of this beyond their church community.  Just as Jesus showed his disciples love through service, many are doing what they can to bring love back to the world through their service.  Maybe as more and more of us learn to wear love around like our favorite outfit, we will see love overcome the forces of hate in our daily lives and world.

I invite you to take time and read each of the scriptures above followed by reflection on the questions below.  Pause and contemplate how you are sharing God’s love with the world.    Lastly, I pray that God bless the reading of God’s Word and the meditations of your heart.

Questions to Consider this week:

• Monday:  What is the thing or things that you would say you hate?
• Tuesday:  Is there a person in your sphere or in the broader world that you would say you hate?  Who is it and why?
• Wednesday:  What impact is hate having on your peace of mind and the state of your soul?
• Thursday:  What do Jesus’ words, “love one another” mean to you?
• Friday:  How are you practicing love for others, especially those beyond your family, friends, and acquaintances?
• Saturday:  Where are you practicing love through action, especially for those who are considered unlovable? 

Actions for the Week:

• Head:  Identify where hate resides in you and where love finds space.
• Heart:  Confess the hardness of your heart towards people that you might be inclined to hate.
• Hand:  Each day practice kindness, listening, engagement, forgiveness, service, peacemaking, humility, and unconditional love through your story as it intersects with God’s story.