When we think of the disciples in those last hours before Jesus’ crucifixion, they tried hard to understand what He was saying. Where was He going? Why couldn’t they follow Him? When was He returning? And Jesus, knowing what lay ahead, encouraged them in every way. He knew that to endure what was coming and carry on the gospel’s message, they needed one thing above all – LOVE. Love is the reason He created, the reason He came, the reason He died and rose again. Agape Love is why the message of the Cross has continued to endure and go forth almost 2000 years later.
“Beloved, let’s love one another; for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. By this the love of God was revealed in us, that God sent His only Son into the world so that we may live through Him. In this love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has every seen God; if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us.” 1 John 4:7-12
God is love. It’s the essence of who He is. This love that Jesus poured upon His disciples is the same love He pours upon us today. As we go about life with our brothers and sisters in Christ, it is imperative that we seek to bestow this love upon one another. Granted, this is easy to do when we’re on the same page. The challenge is when differing personalities, conflicts, judgments, and hurts arise. That’s why Holy Spirit was sent to help us. If we find ourselves struggling with feelings towards someone, let’s remember first to go to God with it. It’s safe there – He will listen, comfort, correct, guide us in truth, and help us as we allow Him to lead. And in time, He will restore our heart of love towards that person.