“Love one another, as I (Jesus) have loved (do love) you.” (John 13:34); “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (James 1:19); “Listen, that you may live” (Isa. 55:3).
Lord Jesus, just a few days ago, we pondered your foot-washing humility and your cross-bearing love for us. We’re not in a hurry to move on. “Love so amazing, so divine…” beckons us to linger, forever.
Our calling to come more alive to your love, and to love others as you love us, will last into eternity. Jesus, you love us way more than we will ever love you. And your love calls, frees, and empowers us to love others more than they love us. So, what does this look like?
It starts with listening. First and foremost, listening to everything you say to us about yourself, Jesus; the riches of the Gospel, your inexhaustible grace for us, and our constant need of you. From there, help us love others by…
Offering the gift of unrushed, kind presence.
Staying curious and believing the best of others.
Hearing with our eyes and hearts, not just our ears.
Slaying the beasts of defensiveness, irritation, and contempt.
Remembering your grace for us, more than we rehearse offences against us.
Jesus, these words, images, and love-descriptors drive us back to you and your love for us. And that’s as it should be, every day. Mute the devil’s lies that tell us we are hopeless. Turn up the Holy Spirit’s voice to 11 (on our 1-10 dials). The Spirit tells us we are yours, beloved, and destined to be like you. Whew… and So Very Amen.