Intentional Love (John 15:13-14)

Jesus said, "Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are my  friends if you do what I command" (John 15:13-14 NLT). 

How did Jesus love? He had compassion on people. He healed the sick, made the blind to see and the deaf to hear. He cleansed the lepers and raised the dead. We are not all doctors or miracle workers. But we can tell people what God has done for us. We can forgive as Jesus forgave. We can show hospitality in our homes and visit those in prison or hospitals. We can speak encouraging words or share a smile with someone having a stressful day. We can offer a helping hand to those in need. If loving others is important to God, it's important to us.

Have you witnessed a person's last words before he died? What he said--what you heard is important. Jesus' last will and testament was: "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20 NLT).

Think About It
When we are intentional about loving others, we are doing what God asks us to do. We might be tempted to be served instead of serve, or receive instead of give. We might think that the love burden falls on pastors. But God says we are a kingdom of priests. We can share the good news and baptize. I know of a man who baptized new believers in a swimming pool to obey Jesus' last command. 

Pray About It
Heavenly Father, help us to teach, baptize and disciple new believers. Open our hearts to the needs of others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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