We see clearly from scripture that we are to love one another.  John 13: 34-35 says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  But the most important thing we must remember is that love must be demonstrated with our actions.  Love is a verb! Let’s look now at practical ways to love one another.

1. LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO CARE FOR OTHERS

Life can get so busy and often we have our hands full with just our day-to-day living.  However, we must always remember that we are called to love others as Jesus loves us.  We need to give to others what we freely receive from God. This means that we need to keep a heart that is positioned to see the needs of others and a willingness to help however we can.  Simple ways we can do this is by making a meal for someone who is sick, visiting people in hospital, and buying groceries for someone who is struggling financially.

2. LET YOUR SPEECH BE FULL OF LOVE AND GRACE

The love we have for others is revealed not only by our actions but also by our speech.  Never forget that we can sow seeds of life or death through the words we speak.  So let’s set our hearts on building other people up instead of tearing them down and sowing seeds of life wherever we have opportunity.  This is especially important to do when dealing with difficult people who are difficult to love.  That’s why we don’t try and do this with our own strength.  Instead, we draw deeply from God’s love and share that freely with others by the power of His Spirit.

3. SHARE THE GOSPEL

Loving others means that we share the gospel with them.  Sometimes, people will not be open to hearing the gospel and then you need to respect their feelings but keep praying for them.  Your most powerful witness here will be through the way you live your life.  But wherever you have the opportunity, share the gospel whether with words or the testimony of how you live.

God is love and has called us to love each other as He loves us.  By His grace and strength let’s do this!