In his book John focuses on a central theme, love. John shows us how the One who is love loved others. Jesus shows love to others.
"A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34
Jesus was not sharing a new commandment ( Leviticus 19:18 " 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. ) rather He was sharing a new concept to be living examples of Jesus' love.
"By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." John 13:35
Love is more than a warm feeling. Rather it is a heart overflowing with the presence of Jesus's love that overflows onto the people around you.
Love is:
Helping someone when its not convenient for you
Giving to someone when it hurts
Expending energy on someone else and their welfare rather than your own
Taking the hurt from others without complaing or fighting back
This kind of love is not something we are capable of. It doesn't come from us, rather it comes through us... from the Source.
My friend Kala called me this morning and asked if I would be home today so she could bring me something. The door bell rang 30 minutes later and I opened the door to a warm beautiful smile, two gallons of milk and cheddar cheese! As tears welled up in my eyes, she says..."I knew you could use the milk and the cheese was on sale"
Oh Lord I don't quite get the depth of Your amazing love, and I am always amazed at how You work. Thank You Father for using Kala to love on our family today! Amen
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22 comments:
What a blessing your friend Kala was!!!
Love to you my friend!
Nicole
Hi Nichole. I did a post today on seeking the Lord and asking questions. When I was writing this I thought of you and so much love filled my heart. I want to let you know how much I appreciate you and your seeking heart. I think of you alot when I am asking the Lord a question or when I have just received an answer! I hope you are doing alright. I hope you are getting your answers. I didn't commit specifically to the 40-day challenge with you and the other girls but I am seeking right along with you. I have been seeking for awhile now. I want answers and I want freedom!
Love you my friend!
Nicole
It always amazes me when God shows up with "milk and cheese" - making every day items divine and every day moments miraculous!
Love & prayers,
Joy
God is just so tender in how He loves us through others. I am so glad He loved on you in such a special way through your friend Kala.
I pray that your roots of faith would continue to dig in deeper and deeper as you are seeking Him, Nichole...that His love would anchor you more and more.
And thank you for this encouragement for me to be sure that I am loving others sincerely.
Thanking God that even though I don't live close enough to do a single thing for you, He still hears my prayers and I can trust that He has got you covered! (But you give me the word if there ever is anything I can possibly do!) :)
Love to you, friend!
K
I love reading your blog. Loving my neighbor/friend/family member, co-worker has been something the Lord has been dealing with my husband and myself during the past year. I love this post of yours.
Blessings..............
You've taught me that maybe I do know how to love after all.
Thanks
We were discussing this in my SS class this last Sunday as we wrapped up our study on Spiritual Gifts with 1 Corinthians 13. That we are to use our gifts to the benefit of the *Church* (which includes ministering to another believers needs) but always they should be wrapped in love.
I love what your friend did, and thank you for a glimps of how to pray more specifically for you.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Matthew 6:33
God's love knows no boundaries.
What a blessing to feel this love, give this love and to recieve this love...sincere love....glad you were blessed today and thankyou for blessing us!
The feet of those who bring good news....or milk and cheese--it's all good when it comes from Him who provides for our every need, and raises up those around us in His love.
Such a beautiful story of friendship, and a "tangible" that provides encouragement for us all in serving and being served by our gracious God! Continued prayers for you and yours in this day, Nichole....
Love is an action not a "feeling." There are so days when we may not be feeling so loving toward others, including our own family members - but we continue to SHOW love by our actions.
I really enjoyed this post today. May you feel more and more sincere love each day.
Hey there!!
What a great blessing for you and your family. I can only imagine what a blessing this was for your friend, Kala. Thanks for sharing this great reminder.
Also, thanks for visiting my blog AND your comment. It was super sweet.
Oh my holy bumps going on here. How very sweet of your friend. How very awesome of our Lord to provide...not only physical means but spiritual means of encouragement to let you/us know He is there and He does care.
I love your list of what love is. You hit is right on the head. What wonderful examples of true love. And...it is not by our ability or strength. Our flesh is selfish and see us first. But through God, we can see others first and act love and be love.
Sweet blessings, dear friend.
Paula
What a sweet friend!! Sounds like a book title to me!! "2 gallons of milk and some cheddar cheese".....how God works faithfully!! Hope things start turning around quickly for you all. We love you and pray God's sweet blessings on you!
I just want you to know you hold a special place in my heart!! I love you too (and not in a fruity way, I genuinely love ya!)
Kala
Precious to know God is using your friends to breathe love on you!
I'm all about His LOVE! These kind of posts get me excited.
Thank you.
And Merry Christmas!
Tiffany
Thank you for sharing this precious post on God's Love. I had never thought about Jesus words saying, "today a new command I give you" but you're right, it was the concept of showing Jesus' love that was a new command, not mearly loving.
God is so good to us! His love always amazes me!
Sonya
Thank you, Nichole, for your very sweet comment on my blog yesterday. You blessed my socks off and I was very touched by it.
Thank you also for praying for my marriage AND believing God is working in it.
Love,
Paula
John 13:35
I love this vision. My hope and prayer is that others see the "sincere love" when we go forth in Christ and love on them, not for selfish gain, but for HIS glory.
Love You, Nin
Love, Hugs and Prayers
What a blessing Kala was. I prayed God would show you a true friend the other day after our conversation and oh how sweet it is when He sent you milk and cheese. I choose to see His love for you...I pray you receive the cheese and milk with "awe"
It doesn't matter if God shows up with 'milk and cheese' or a kidney - HE ALWAYS SHOWS UP to meet our needs!
Praying for your family my friend.
hey girl, will you e-mail me at knkoziarz@aol.com when you get a chance? Thanks!
Praise God and Amen! He takes care of us always, doesn't He?
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