LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Three little words.

Love one another. It flows easily when our 'one another' is someone close, someone whose company we cherish, a family member or a friend. It's natural to love those we find connection with, those who share our values and interests. Love seems effortless within the bonds of a community, a team, or a shared purpose. But these three words hold a depth that transcends circumstances; they don't specify who, what, where, or when.

The continuation of this statement is, 'as I have loved you.' The speaker, none other than Jesus.

In the tapestry of the Christian story, Jesus stands as a teacher, leader, and the embodiment of wisdom, compassion, and sacrifice for every generation of believers. Embedded in this greater context, love takes on new dimensions. Love required that Jesus lend an attentive ear to the hearts of many who sought solace, healing, and compassion. Love required him to extend his care to children, to the impoverished, and to those yearning for truth. His love required a response, unhesitatingly toward the marginalised and boldly spoke truth to all. His love was sacrificial, unconditional and pure.

Love one another…

I wonder what these simple words could mean in our families, in our community, in our connections and in our circles of influence. I wonder what transformative results we would see in our circumstances if love sought out what was required? Could love inspire compassion, grace, kindness and purpose into situations of little hope? What would moments of our day look like if we sought to love as Jesus did? I wonder what we could ignite with the question; 'What does love require?'