April 2008

I’ve been thinking about our scriptural mandate to love one another. We are commanded to bear with each other, even with our failings. We are called to “please his neighbor for his good, to build him up” (Romans 15:2). The example of Christ is to spur us on. “For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, ‘The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me’” (Romans 15:3). Sometimes it is hard to love others, especially when we feel that they are not particularly lovable. But again, Scripture reminds us that “while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Romans 5:10). If God chose to love us, even when we were against him, how much more should we be able to bear with each other when we are brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus?

I want to encourage each of us to love one another, not just in thought, but in word and deed. Bear with one another, serve one another. This is one of the most significant ways we can show the world that Jesus Christ is real and makes all the difference in our lives. Serving one another as an expression of love brings glory and praise to our Heavenly Father. If that seems at times like a difficult task, take to heart the prayer of Paul who said, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15:5 – 7).

Following in the dust of the Rabbi,

Pastor Lew