John 15:12-14 KJV
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
These three verses in John 15 are so powerful yet can be such a challenge to implement. You are probably asking how this is so, if we are to be children of God and so-called Christians. Well, let me answer the question. If this were not something that Jesus felt would be difficult for even Christians to enact, he wouldn’t have put as much emphasis on us to love one another, as much as he did. It’s amazing the awesome God that we serve. He never sets us up for failure but before we are tempted or led astray, he puts a risk mitigation plan in place just in case. Similar to earthly measures that are put in place for our protection as citizens. Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic we are required to wear masks for our protection and the protection of others. Additionally, if you live in areas prone to hurricanes you are advised to ensure your vehicle is on a full tank of gas, and that you have a hurricane preparedness kit on hand.
God is no different, which is why we can never say he doesn’t warn or alert us in advance. These verses are so profound and a commandment from God. I am sure many of us have asked or questioned if these verses have stipulations. Should we continue to have love one for another when it is not shown to us? If my voice is repeatedly being unheard and a blind eye turned to injustice, do I still show love to all mankind? If the one who I trusted the most didn’t protect and shield me, should I still love them unconditionally? The answer to every one of these questions is yes, we should continue to love regardless of the action, condition, or circumstance. When Jesus gave this commandment, he was fully aware of the wrong that has or would occur in our lives, but he never altered the commandment to love.
Of course, we have heard about love and discussed it at times, but my reason for writing this devotion is to shine a light on unconditional love, but to also highlight the benefits that come with executing this commandment. Love has always been associated with happiness, joy, peace, comfort, trust, and honesty. When you know that someone loves you it is the best feeling in the world. When one can finally cradle the baby in their arms after months of being pregnant, that is a feeling that you will never forget. So, love is associated with positivity. Love takes away hurt, shame, hatred, division, and many other negative emotions. Because there are so many positive outcomes that can come from love, this is why the enemy tries so hard to prevent us from expressing it.
I have stood back and watched what the enemy is trying to do to the people of God. He knows that for years, many have suffered injustice, and little to nothing has been done about it in the natural. So, now he is doing whatever he can to put it at the forefront of our minds. We know that hate is the opposite of love. The enemy is also fully aware of those things that get underneath our skin and are near and dear to our hearts. Therefore, he uses those things to try to infiltrate this world with everything contrary to the plan God has for the world and his children.
But it is up to each one of us to hold true to the commandment to love one another. Showing that unconditional love holds the key to what God has in store for each one of us. He made this promise:
To my brother and sister as hard and difficult as it is or may become. No matter what, never stop loving anyone. Jesus showed us that unconditional love is possible when he suffered and died on the cross and chose to forgive his persecutors, even while they were crucifying him. Yes, injustice is rampant in the world today, but we must continue to love. Don't fall for the trap of the enemy, as he knows if we harbor hatred in our hearts, the will of God cannot be fulfilled in our lives. So, choose love over hate. If it's a struggle, ask God daily for his help.