Genesis 1:26-31
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 don’t like birds. If I see a bird flying anywhere close by, I think it’s going to attack me. For the past few weeks, my husband and I have been watching a little wren outside our dining room window. She hops around on the leaves of the begonia, looks in at us, and occasionally pecks at the window. Despite my fear of birds, I can appreciate this one. I enjoy watching her from inside and acknowledge her as one of God’s wondrous creations.
Similarly, I have met people that I don’t like. But Jesus tells us to love one another as he has loved us. Jesus loves us as creations made in God’s image.
If I can acknowledge that a little bird that I am fearful of is a marvelous creation of God, how much more should I be able to love a person who is made in God’s likeness? If I pay attention to people as closely as I have this wren, I will give myself the opportunity to get past my first impressions, to notice others doing something kind or beautiful, to see in each person the reflection of our loving God.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to see beyond our negative reactions to people. Help us to see how they reflect you. Amen.
Thought for the day: Seeing the reflection of God in others makes loving them possible.
Susan Kerrigan (Washington, USA)
