Love as Jesus does

Ever had an extra chocolate bar drop out of a vending machine? As great as that is, this unexpected 'blessing' only changes our mood for a short while. What really moves and inspires us is when someone does something so generous for us that we ask, 'Why me?' It impacts us because we realise that someone held a thought about us for longer than a second to make this deliberate decision.

So, as Christians, how can our generosity be God-inspired and God-orientated? Well, John 15:12 NIV says, 'My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.' Ah, so it's about more than just baking someone a cake? Doing nice stuff for people is great, but when we're baking the cake and asking God to bless the person we're giving it to, that gives it more power.

What matters most to God is that we love people as he loves them: non-judgementally, caringly, compassionately and unconditionally. Whether it's the small stuff or the big stuff, whatever we do for others needs to come from a prayerful place of real love. Not just token-gesture niceties. It's a high calling, but it's what makes the difference between being 'nice' and being Jesus-led.



So what now? There's probably going to be a chance (soon) to show someone an act of love. Don't shrink back when it comes your way. Pray you'll be prepared to see the opportunity, and then respond with love as Jesus would.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Love one another as I have loved you.' John 15:12 NKJV
— SOULFOOD —

2 Tim 1-4, John 20:1-9, Ps 105:37-45, Pro 30:20-23