November 11

Luke 22
John 13
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  This quote from the Lord should cause every Christian to take pause.  Most would read this and say, “Of course, we love one another!”  However, love is more than a four-letter word.  It involves action.  How do we treat one another?  Are we always kind to each other?  Is our love evident when the other doesn’t agree with us?  What happens when our brother or sister offends us?  Do we still display love toward them?  Over the past year, during the presidential campaign, I have witnessed many Christians using language toward their brothers and sisters in Christ that is very difficult to interpret as love.  In fact, it would be much more honest to say that they have demonstrated the very opposite of love!  We should be able to differ in opinions without being hateful.  Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray Him, but He still called him, “friend.”  He was still kind to His enemies, even when they weren’t to Him.  Your brother or sister may be wrong in the offense, but if you respond in kind, you are just as wrong.  One wrong doesn’t justify another.  Lord, help us to be more diligent in our love toward one another.  Amen!