John 13:31-35
Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34 (NIV)
I remember the first time anyone told me they loved me. When I was a child, my parents showed me love — they provided me with a home, fed and clothed me, bought me presents, looked after me when I was sick, and took me on trips when they could afford it. But they never actually said the words I love you. They were probably never told that they were loved as children either. As wonderful as my parents were, I doubted their love when I was younger, wondering if their kind actions toward me were motivated by a sense of duty.
The first person who told me they loved me was Ruthie, a three-year-old child from the church I was attending. I did not know how to respond. How could a three-year-old whom I barely knew tell me she loved me when my parents couldn’t? Ruthie could tell me that she loved me because her parents had demonstrated and spoken of their love for her.
It is vitally important to know that we are loved — especially to know we are loved by God. Sometimes I sit quietly before the Lord, open my hands, and say, “Jesus, I receive your love. Father, I receive your love.” And as I receive love from God, I can pass that love to others both through actions and words.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for sending your son to die for us, not out of duty but out of love. We open our hearts to receive your love today. Amen.
Thought for the day: Today I will take time to sit in God’s presence and receive God’s love.
Mary Foulger (Ontario, Canada)
