Thoughts

• When we learn God’s word and apply it, then we will love God’s people. Jesus indicated that if we abide in His word, we are His disciples indeed (John 8:31). Paul said the purpose of the commandment is love (1 Timothy 1:5). Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” So we are Jesus’ disciples if we learn God’s word and love God’s people.
• We need to ask ourselves a simple question, “Am I loving other people like I should?” Probably most of us can think of times that we did not show love. The standard is high. Paul described love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV). “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
• People will know we are disciples of Jesus if we love one another, as Jesus loved us (John 13:34). Most of us need to grow in our love.