"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." John 15:12

The word "love" is used so carelessly in our world today. How many times do we hear people express their love for a certain food or for a particular piece of clothing? Love in the entertainment world is shallow and fickle. But to those of us who know the Lord, the word "love" is special.

John 3:16 (KJV) "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life".

Jesus demonstrated true love in every part of His ministry. His love extended to people from every social class. He touched the people with leprosy. He mourned with those who mourned. He showed love to the children. To the rich or poor, prominent, or outcast, His love remained the same. He taught His disciples that they were to pass that love along to one another.

John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

In I Corinthians 13, Paul shows us what loving others as Christ loves us will produce in our lives. Look at Verses four to eight in the New Living Translation:

"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.

It 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."

Each day as we seek to imitate Christ, we ask the Lord to give us the strength we need to practice these things and thus show His love to the world around us.

Thought For Today: Do my actions towards others show my love for Christ?

Devotion by: Anne Johnston