Jesus commands us to love one another.
Not condemn each other.
Not shame each other.
Not judge each other.
But Love.
Love those with different opinions.
Different values.
Different life situations
Different races, genders, religions, and sexual orientations.
There are no sides.
There is only love.
Does this sound impossible? Overwhelming? Terrifying?
In our own strength loving like Jesus is impossible. But a love like Jesus doesn't start with us; it starts with God: "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment." (Matthew 22:37-38) Loving God first gives us the compassion (heart), desire (soul) and wisdom (mind) we need to continue with what Jesus says next: "A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Matthew 22:39) When we choose to love God, we receive what we need to love others.
The opposite of loving others, choosing to criticize, judge, condemn, ostracize, or shame anyone, is partnering with the devil in his work. That's his job: "The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy." (John 10:10)
Are you partnering with the devil?
We, as believers and followers of Jesus Christ, are to love one another. We are to love like Jesus has loved us:
With a redeeming love.
With a healing love.
With a forgiving love.
May we each seek the strength of God to love those we come into contact with today like Jesus has loved us. In that powerful choice, may the healing of our hearts, families, communities, cities, states and countries begin.