prayer to love each other
Written by Rachel Adams
Bible reading:
A new command I give you is to love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. – John 13:34-35
Listen or read below:
I never wanted to see my mother here again. This was her second cancer diagnosis in seven years. This time, I visited her during part of her hospital stay for a stem cell transplant. Despite the dire circumstances and circumstances, we had a wonderful time together. We don’t live in the same community, and now that my brother and I are all married and have kids, we rarely get to spend this much quality time together, just the two of us.
I think it’s amazing that even though she’s stuck in a place she doesn’t want to be, given a diagnosis she doesn’t want to face, and undergoing treatments that make her feel terrible, she still enjoys hospital-cooked meals, does puzzles in the window seat, walks down the halls, makes new friends with the nurses, and is full of laughter.
I really enjoyed being with my mom during this time. I’m healthy, so this visit was easy for me. I think my mother cherished the time we spent together, but she was the one who was hurt by being poked and prodded. She intentionally chose to love the person in front of her, regardless of her feelings or how dark the situation was.
The beauty of what I experienced with my mom was not just for us. During my short stay, I observed many caregivers expressing concern for their loved ones. A hospital filled with sickness and despair was filled with love and hope. Through people-watching, I have learned that family and friends are sitting by the bedside for hours, pushing wheelchairs, bringing coffee, delivering flowers, hugging in the hallway, praying at the table, sharing meals, holding hands, having conversations, and buying gifts. It was shocking for me to realize how much we need each other, especially during difficult times.
The phrase “each other” comes from the Greek alleron, meaning “each other, each other, mutually, reciprocally.” This term occurs 100 times in the New Testament, and about a third of these commands teach Christians to love one another. Jesus knew that we would need each other, especially after He ascended into heaven. In fact, shortly before his crucifixion, Jesus gave a new command to his disciples: “Love one another, as I have loved you, so you must love one another, so that if you love one another, all men will know that you were my disciples” (John 13:34, 35).
He was essentially saying that love should be the hallmark of a Christian community. In fact, the first Christians were given that name by the Romans for their generosity toward one another. The early church was made up of the first disciples, who did their best to follow Jesus’ instructions when he was no longer with them. We read their story in the book of Acts. In chapter 4, we read, “The believers were of one heart and mind. None of them claimed anything as their own, but they shared everything. The apostles continued to testify with great power to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and many graces were upon them. There was not one poor person among them (Acts 4:32-34).”
Can you imagine a society where we, as Christians, care for each other so extravagantly that there is no need among us? These early believers embodied a beautiful model of unity and generosity that we can all follow.
When we treat one another like Christ, we demonstrate to the watching world that we are disciples of Jesus. But how often do people instead see petty quarrels, greed, revenge, callousness, jealousy, and division? I am guilty of all of the above. But can I try today? The world is a hospital for the injured. People long for someone to come by and carry their burdens. Respond to their needs by helping in times of inconvenience and by providing sacrificial service. This kind of behavior is difficult. That’s why people notice when you do it and know that a supernatural source is giving you the power to do it. who knows? Perhaps by loving one another in this countercultural way, we can welcome someone into God’s family.
Let’s pray:
Father, thank you for showing us your perfect love through Jesus. Please forgive me for choosing selfishness over love. Open your eyes to the burdens around you and give us the courage to take a step forward with compassion. Fill me with your Spirit so that I may love others as you have loved me. May my actions reflect the unity and generosity of the early church, and may others see you through me.
Let me remind you that love is not a feeling, but a choice you can make every day, even when it’s difficult. Help me to love my family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers with a heart that reflects You. And Lord, may my love be a light that shows others the hope that can only be found in You.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
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Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Mascot
Rachel Adams, author of A Little Goes a Long Way and host of the podcast The Love Offering, wants to help women understand their God-given purpose and importance. She and her husband, Brian, live in Kentucky with their two children, Will and Kate. Her work has been featured in Crosswalk, Proverbs 31, Today Parenting, and YouVersion. Connect with her by visiting rachaelkadams.com, searching @rachaeladamsauthor on social media, and listening to The Love Offering podcast every Tuesday on your favorite listening platform.
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