February’s Facebook LIVE was all about love (naturally), so I thought we’d close the month with one more look at what Christ is asking of His beloved Bride.
And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 2 John 1:5
Ooh! Did John the Elder write this brief epistle to a woman? Let’s find out.
And now, dear lady,… 2 John 1:5
Does this “dearest woman” (TPT) have a name? The book of 2 John begins, “To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth” (2 John 1:1), so it seems she is someone in particular, and “a very special woman” (CEV) at that.
Several translations appear to include a proper name — “Kyria” (YLT) or “Cyria” (AMPC) or “Gevirah” (OJB) — but all three are simply the Greek word for “lady.”
Okay. No name. Still, she’s impressive, and here’s why:
- She is called “the chosen gentlewoman” (CEB), “the lady Elect” (DRA), and “one of God’s very own” (TLB).
- She is loved and respected by John the Elder, who assures her she’s “held in the highest affection not only by me but by all who know the truth” (Phillips).
- She is also a fine mother, “a woman of great renown, who brought up her children in the fear of God” (GNV).
Much as I love the idea of one of the Epistles being addressed to a woman, there’s another possibility. John may be using “lady” as a metaphor for the church, and “children” for the members of that church. As in, “My dear congregation…” (MSG).
Sigh. Whether one woman was listening or a whole gathering of believers, we’ll press on with John’s vital message meant for all of us.
…I am not writing you a new command, but one we have had from the beginning. 2 John 1:5
You and I already know about this command, since earlier this month we studied the words of Jesus, when He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another” (John 13:34).
John is quick to admit this isn’t “some new commandment” (VOICE) they have to follow, or a “new Law” (NLV) they must heed. Instead, he’s “simply reminding” (AMP) God’s children, “This is the first thing you heard, and nothing has changed” (MSG).
Truth is always worth repeating.
I ask… 2 John 1:5
“Ask” is a bit soft, since the Greek word means “implore, request.” I’m thinking “beg” (AMPC) or “urge” (HCSB) or “beseech” (OJB) or “plead” (NKJV) better captures what John is leading up to here.
You can probably guess what the Lizzie Revised Version would be: “Heads up, people!”
…that we love one another. 2 John 1:5
There it is. Easy to say, yet hard to do, to “love and unselfishly seek the best for one another” (AMP). Putting the needs of others before our own. Showering them with genuine love and affection at every turn. Making “agape” (OJB) the driving force of our lives.
John goes on to say, “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.” (2 John 1:6). So, love isn’t a feeling thing; it’s a doing thing. Oof. I really need to pray about this, sisters and brothers.
Lord Jesus, you ask so little of us. Just three words: love one another. You loved us first, showing us how it’s done, giving us the best reason to follow Your example. Now we need Your strength to love one another with our whole hearts, depending entirely on the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen and amen.
Kristen Welch walks out the Lord’s command to “love one another” by empowering impoverished women around the world through Mercy House Global. This month our giveaway includes her latest book, Made to Move Mountains: How God Uses Our Dreams and Disasters to Accomplish the Impossible, along with a beautiful matching notebook, a handmade coin purse, and a mint-and-vanilla soy candle (yum).
Leave a comment at the bottom of this post with a suggestion of how we can practically and effectively love one another. I’ve already chosen our winner (congrats, Jane H.!), but would still welcome your thoughts.
Coming Soon
On March 4 we had another fun visit on Facebook LIVE First Wednesday, as together we unwrapped Ezekiel 36:26, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” How I love opening God’s Word with you each month.
It’s also pure joy to encourage you in person. Take a look at my calendar to see where I’ll be speaking in the weeks and months ahead. It would be grand to see you.
And if you’re curious where these photos were taken, three summers ago I visited the enchanting island of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides, doing research for my next Scottish historical novel. Not yet, but soon, beloved.
Pray for one another; send an encouraging note and/or card to Sisters in Christ
Call someone you haven’t spoken to in awhile. Pray with them, ask them if you can do anything for them. Just show them kindness and love. Maybe you are the only person they have talked to that day or shown them kindness and caring.
I believe we show the love of Christ by seeing all people as His beloved, children; showing them respect, being kind, and acknowledging them. I try to look people in the eye, smile, and say, “good morning,” etc. So often this simple thing put a little sparkle in their eye. Also, I try (this one is more difficult) to look past my own thoughts and insecurities and try to truly listen, understand, and empathize with people and their individual struggles. There are so many hurting people in today’s world who need to know the truth, that they are wonderful, beloved children of God. I try, through my actions to convey this and to always watch for openings to tell them this very thing. Head up! You’re unique! You’re loved!
Have a blessed day, Liz and all!
To love others is often difficult when we don’t love ourselves but when we come to Christ and realize how much he loves/loved us we begin to understand the love we have to pour out on others. It just overflows! I love putting together gallon zip lock blessing bags and passing out to homeless, with a note to tell them Jesus loves them.
Look upon everyone as a child of God who is no better and no worse than we are and that all are loved equally by God. Pray for others, be kind and simply take a moment to smile or compliment someone. Put yourself in the place if others and ask God to help you love the “ unlovable “
Daily I find myself giving as much as I can in prayer. We have to be there not only for those who are lovable but for those who maybe hard to love. We need to open our hearts and others to the ones who have no one to listen to their unanswered prayers. Help them find a place in their heart for the lord, if they have not found him.
Thank you, I really needed to be reminded to love on purpose.
Loving one another is to me…paying attention to that person and knowing them so well that you just meet the need with out there asking. Stay focused on who is around you. People are so busy with there phones in their faces that they miss the precious people around. I love to be am encourager. Everyone needs to know they matter.
I have learned to love by keeping my mouth shut while another shares. I listen. And even if I’ve suffered likewise, I listen. When the opportunity arises, I let her know I am with her and we are in Christ.
If some of us can just speak and smile each day as we walk path someone everyday, that’s a start. To me just doing that is start of showing love. Love is just a 4 letter word. Let’s try 4 ways of loving someone ❤️❤️❤️
Simply: commit a kind act for someone without expecting anything (even a thank you) in return…. i.e. let someone go ahead of you in line, smile at a stranger, thank a vet (especially an older person) for their service AND tell me they are not forgotten. Just show kindness.
I have a secret sister this year that I pray for daily and monthly seek out cards , small gifts to encourage her in her Christian walk. I am blessed too as I find these special gifts and cards. Also, when I go to church I seek out those standing alone or seeming to be sad and chat and encourage them. Sometimes we can invite them over for coffee/tea or to come with us to an event. Every where we go we see struggling, hurting and needy people. You just have to be present and allow the Holy Spirit to direct you.
Look at people when entering a group or walking, smile and engage with them, send notes or cards to those God places on my heart, text words of encouragement, pray and pray more. Listen to what people are speaking in their heart. Help when needed. I am a gatherer of things to distribute to those in need. Mentor new widows.
Walk it out! Don’t just talk it out…we must Act it out just like Christ!!
Having moved into a new neighborhood of newly constructed homes….neighbors are moving in every few weeks or so. Going over to welcome them with a plate of warm brownies, a smile and a kind word of welcome is usually a loving way to share the joy of Christ. Moving is both exciting and extremely exhausting work.
Think about a given situation and how you would want to be treated, then treat the persons you are dealing with the same.
Like the example of putting on the oxygen mask before helping others with theirs, I find I must improve my self-outlook, too, appreciate who God created me to be (warts and all) so I can love those better that He places in my life. If God loved me SO much (John 3:16 AND 1 John 3:1), and He surely does, then I should be able to love (and forgive) myself better than I do. That would then overflow to others. How could it not?
Loving one another is, for me, being His hands and feet in my own neighborhood. Reaching out to others in His love by volunteering at the local hospital; and helping in a ministry that provides help to the least and the lost.
What I have been working on is showing love everyday to my family by serving them with joy.
Sometimes I feel selfish and bothered when asked to do simple tasks, dinner, laundry, etc. I know that I am blessed to have my busy family. So then I must remind myself that God gives to us everything and I imagine joyfully and with great love. I need to follow His example with my family
I like to send a note, special card, fridge magnet, book or some other personal gift to a child of a friend. Parents appreciate it when their children are loved, prayed for, congratulated, or encouraged by their friends. Both the friend and their child are validated.
It’s easy to love those who love us. Try loving the ungodly, the one who persecutes you by challenging your walk. This is how I love them – I remember at one time I was just like them. Only my representation of Christ and love for them will really make them believe God is real and that he loves them too.
When I hear of someone feeling down I go buy them a gift of love, and at other times if one is lonely or needing a friend to talk to I wouldd take them out or invite them to my home and make them food or my be just s a coffee if that’s what thy would like😁😍
We often get together at church on Sunday or at bible studies during the week. However, we leave the sanctuary and that’s where the evening ends. Being approachable goes a long way. Not just offering to pray for someone but being open to God’s leading. If a sister is in need, sharing a phone number and being intentional about reaching out and continuing to offer prayer and help would be amazing.
One practical way to love another person is to pray for them.
Love one another by praying for all you know that are having difficulties. Also, just a phone call to encourage.
Lift one another up in prayer. Send a word encouragement to a loved one.
Always listen without judging. Just like the book Listening is an Act of Love…. so true and the best way to show our love for another.
I have found that God inspired me with a gift o didn’t know I had until this last 2weeks when several friends have been burdened with crisis. They each thanked me after a card or text had been sent with a relative scripture that Hod laid on my heart for them along with the prayer I prayed for them. Someone e did this for me once and o had never felt the love of a sister in Christ like that before. Being prayed for is wonderful, when you can reflect on a written copy it helps to get your focus back where it needs to be.
What a fantastic grouping of goodies for this month!
The main way we can love others is by praying for them, though it is probably the most obvious. But praying for someone always helps me gave greater compassion towards them and in prayer the Lord often brings tangible ways to love them to mind…like texting them a verse to encourage them, or buying them a small gift card to a gave place or even inviting them to coffee and being a good listener. I have found people mostly want to be heard and prayer for, so offering that is very loving.
My husband is showing his love by preparing meals and cleaning. I had a partial mastectomy and am suppose to take it easy and rest. He is showing his love in action.
By not being easily offended.
As I mature more in my walk, I see this as the greatest change in my life. As I look back, I can see a DRAMATIC change in this aspect of my walk, showing me how vital God considers this in my life.
Loving one another unconditionally as Jesus taught. Reaching out when you see someone struggling to make ends meet or to listen to a teenager about their day at school.and your husband about work To just be there sitting quietly by them so they know you are there. Holding each other’s hand and praying together and thanking God for loving us first so that we can love also
Listen, truly listen. Put the phone away & look at your friend or loved one!
I think that we show others all of the loving, righteous, mighty, gentle and forgiving ways God treats us!
I have found that God inspired me with a gift o didn’t know I had until this last 2weeks when several friends have been burdened with crisis. They each thanked me after a card or text had been sent with a relative scripture that Hod laid on my heart for them along with the prayer I prayed for them. Someone e did this for me once and o had never felt the love of a sister in Christ like that before. Being prayed for is wonderful, when you can reflect on a written copy it helps to get your focus back where it needs to be.
To show love, you need to be Christ like. He is the perfect picture of love. Show kindness to others, send an encouraging word to someone, do a random act of kindness, help out a stranger in need, pray for others, always be ready to lend a helping hand. Make a positive difference in someone’s life. Let them know Christ’s love through your kind actions!
We can love by allowing ourselves to be interrupted to help others. I can be very task oriented. Training myself to take my blinders off and slow down to see how my time could be better spent to help someone.
The best way to show love to someone else is to sit across from them, hopefully over a cup of tea or coffee, and listen. Look them in the eye and keep your mouth shut until they are done talking. Do not offer advice unless they ask for it, but take notes mentally on how to pray for them, tell them that you will be praying for them, and then do it. Write it down in your prayer journal and lift them in prayer in a non-judgmental way. This is love in action.
I believe we can love one another by handing out less judgment and living alongside one another. Doing life together as a community.
The best way to ” love one another” is to give up oneself.
To show love to others is to learn to forgive and to give grace, just as our dear Lord and Savior has done for us on the cross at Calvary.
To have a pure heart, follow Jesus example, prayers, and unconditional love. Without these love just isn’t true love, it may be kindness but not love.
To PRAY for one another is my best way. It has worked for one I didn’t like as I ask God to love her through me. Whether it changed her, I don’t know, but it sure changed me. So prayer is my answer. And always smile, even if it hurts.
Made to move mountains. Jesus said if we had faith as big as a mustard seed we could move that mountain. I fear I don’t have that faith. James also says we don’t pray with the conviction of God’s answer. After my mother’s death in March, my faith was strong and I waited on thr Lord. And miracles happened. God provides and I know that well. Why do I not have the faith that can move mountains?
I think we must be in God’s Word and in communion with Him through prayer if we are going to love effectively. Practically, I think it comes down to letting people know that you care for them unconditionally. That care can be ahown in so many ways: a smule, a heloing hand, food,a listening ear, someone just to be present when when you don’t have words, etc.
When we try to love other people we should do it like God loves us and what that means in our family is that we dont give up on people. When we adopt you into our household it is forever. You can move on in your life and grow apart from us, you can run away feom the force of our love, you can stop responding to our attempts to reach out. But we will still be here loving you, sending you Christmas care packages, praying for you, and looking forward to the day whether here on Earth or in Heaven when we are all together again as a family born of the love that God put in us to share with one another.
Loving one another is simply choosing to accept people where they are at. Not always easy depending on the situation but the best way to show love. Examples, speaking kindly to the homeless person you walk by, listening to a friend in the middle of the night of needed, help the sick and the elderly, choosing to continue to support your husband through a major mistake that got him arrested (alcohol) and costing family lots of money but God wouldn’t want you to kick him when he’s down there are so many ways big and small to show your love
Loving like Jesus is a lot more than being nice or doing a good deed. He gave his all—his time, talents, and even gave his life for us, his friends. Even when we don’t deserve it. Now, love one another wholeheartedly.
My siblings all live over 700 miles away. I have one aunt, and cousins who live close to us, but everyone lives busy lives. This same aunt is in her last days on this Earth, and I know my cousins are all weary from trying to take care of their own families, but be there for their mother.
A week ago, God tapped me on the shoulder, and whispered, “Feed them.” So, I went to the grocery store, then got busy in the kitchen, preparing some simple food that was easy to reheat, or even put into the freezer for future use.
I didn’t do it for my glory, or to receive accolades, and compliments. It truly wasn’t much, but I believe it made an impact on my cousins. They’d not expected anything, yet we’re grateful for the, as they were calling it, “feast”. Hot dogs, baked beans, chips, a few pie plates of homemade quiche, and some pitchers of tea was all it was, but it was a grand gesture to them.
Showing love by listening to God’s nudges. I’m learning to be quiet, so I can hear His still, small voice.
I’m relatively new in the community where I live (my husband’s a pastor!) I’m loving those women on my periphery by making time to have a cup of coffee and connect with each one and hopefully being able to connect all of us together. It’s stepping out in faith to create new friendships and connections with others (and puts me a little out of my comfort zone!)
One way is to pray for them and bring them some love ❤️ with homemade dinner or dessert .
Being a caretaker for my Mom in law who has told me to my Face I am Not Family and Now after the loss of her Daughter I became her full time caretaker and I hear my Heavenly Father calling me With Love Jodel with Love. I can serve and care with His Love beacause He first Loved Me. And when Days are Hard worship music and good food 🥘 lighten the Day as I care for her
We talked about this at our work this week during devotions. We can love better if we remember that our battle is not against the flesh but against evil. Keep our loved ones covered in prayer, temptations and asking God for Wisdom how to love them.
Thanks for the post!
Sometimes you build walls expecting people to hurt you. But fear is a liar!
Love yourself – ask God for his help so that you can love others . If you give a cup of water in his name you wont lose your reward!
I’m learning that to practically and effectively love one another, I have to make time for others. I can’t just think of them, but I need to make time to reach out to find out what is going on in their life. I have discovered the loneliness of a friend who seemed fine, but who needed me to just call to spend the time talking and listening, just as Jesus listens to us.
I would love the gift. I ask God to show me how to love someone as He does. For years I have found it so difficult to love the unlovely , but with God’s help I do.
LOVE ONE ANOTHER…serving from a slave perception { Doulos}- We have been learning during our revival nights, about becoming a slave to others instead of a servant.
Slaves are not independent of their Master.
To share His love for others and be a conduit for the Spirit in expressing that love is sheer Joy.
I believe one of the best ways we can love one another is by working to be better listeners! I think we all want to be truly heard.
You can be observant and look for ways that encourage the particular lady you’re trying to encourage by letting her know that you are thinking about her by picking up a item that she had shared with you that she liked.
TY for sending me this. It is very heart warming to know u care and thought enough of me to send this email. I haven’t been feeling very well lately, so I haven’t been on fb very much. I appreciate you and Hope & Pray there will be better days ahead for all of us.
Sincerely
Lanee Chapman
Praying for you♥️
How do I try to simply love my family, friends and “neighbors” …by spending time in God’s presence, reading His Word and praying. When I do this, my focus and perspective change, my “self” is decreased and my heart hopefully overflows with His goodness and grace. Then as I encounter each individual that God puts in my path, I can meet their specific needs, whether it be an ear or a hug or a meal or encouragement.
Walking with the LORD and being loved by Him, makes loving others, even our enemies, joyful!
Excited to read Kristen’s book💙
How can we better love one another…I continuously remind myself of Jesus’ love for me and for all humanity which in turn helps me to direct my feelings to be more like His…which His help all things are possible.
Thank you Liz for your words , always so encouraging and helpful as we walk the path He has set for us.
God bless you 🙏♥️🙏
Perspective life and Love always . Perspective – what is truly behind this moment in time. Love – as he tells us. Perspective life + Love always =. A Life Lived As He Would.
One practical way we can love one another is live by this: “you can never do wrong by doing right.” In the end, isn’t love a choice. In our fallen state, we will always struggle with a deceitful heart. So giving ourselves a tool by which we “choose the right thing” which is love above all else, we grow in obedience to doing the right thing, jus like our Jesus did. Makes me smile!
Loving one another is being aware of the opportunities God puts before you to make someone feel loved – pay for someone’s meal, offer someone to go ahead of you in line, hug or offer a prayer, call or visit a shut-in neighbor, etc. Some people may call these Random Acts of Kindness but we could call them Random Acts of Love.
Respect one another. Despite of disagreements be kind. Pray for each other with kindness. Only God knows each heart and what we each need. Sometimes prayer is all someone needs.
Giving so much as a cup of water (a moment of time, a smile, a loan, a hug, a ride, etc), is a gift to Him. The attitude of, “Lord, show me who/how to love today.” Then, being aware of those around me and listening for His prompts. It is so easy to take people for granted and miss the opportunities to bless.
So much appreciate your ministry.
How to love one another practically and effectively, love them where they are as they are. No judgement, no trying to change, love through Christ’s eyes. Love unconditionally.
Dear Liz,
Thank you for your heart to share with us.
All the best
One way is to be willing to let God direct us in our work relationships. I was distraught about how a coworker was treating me. She wasnt communicating info I needed to help us work as team members. I did not have loving feelings toward her. On my way commuting to work that morning I prayed asking God to give me the “mind of Christ”. He did, and I was able to speak to her in a short but sweet message (not my angry words). I was amazed how God worked through me to show love, and create peace between us.
KKS
Every day, I ask the Lord to use me to do an act of kindness for someone, and he almost always shows me what to do and for whom. Writing letters or cards, paying for someone’s lunch, or simply praying; he shows me how to share his love.
Loved these words about loving! So needed this today.
We can love one another by slowing down and really getting to know people on a deeper level, not just surface politeness.
I think if only we could be less judgmental it would go a long way. I’m speaking to myself here, believe me. We tend to rush to make assumptions when we don’t know the full story of someone’s life.
To remember not just love our friends, family, church members but those who have less then us, the homeless (need to see the face of Jesus in theirs) the ill and the elderly who are lonely.
We need to pull together loving one another no matter what our religion or color is. We are all God’s children and He wants each of us to come to him and to love each other.
Love one another as HE loves us. No critiques,no remonstrations, just love, pure and simple
Love one another by agreeing to disagree ❤️
To truly love one another, I believe we need to *notice* and *acknowledge* the good in oneself and others. It’s easy to be discouraged by the challenges and tragedies of the world. When we notice and encourage the good, we share God’s own love.
Let’s think of others before ourselves, serv ing their needs.
Love one another by looking for the good in others and not judging!
Working on loving one another in my new retirement in a new home and state! Trying to share Him with neighbors and acquaintences – and with health issues coming up in their lives – He is swinging some doors wide open! Trusting His leadership as I step to the plate!
Love is a choice, but enacting it only come from the power of the Holy Spirit.
We need to make a genuine effort to hear people when they talk to us and listen to what they are saying to us. That shows love. Be intentional about showing our love, care and concern by looking up from our electronics and LISTENING; set aside the book we are reading or the pot we are stirring and LISTEN. Close our own mouths and stop thinking about what we are going to say next—focus and LISTEN to show we love and care about the people crossing our paths—adults and children.
I believe we can share TIME with one another to show love and honor to one another!
Two of my Lenten Goals are:
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others
and Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.
So I aim to love others by being compassionate when I can and by taking the time to listen to others and respond appropriately.
I believe we can practically and effectively love one another just by making time to sit and listen to one another… you know, actually actively listening, no looking at our phones or the tv… truly giving 100% of our focus to someone. 😊
Love one another by getting to know each other, living in community with each other. Once you know someone you desire to love them. Let’s learn what we have in common, rather than how we are different.
I just had surgery & a couple of Christian sisters came to visit me in the hospital. Once home several more brought me meals & fellowshipped with me. All 3 of these things ministered to me in a mighty way. I bless each of them & thank God for their thoughtfulness and kindness to me when I needed it the most.
I have a single friend who is 70 years old. She shows love to her neighbor family by being “Grammy” to their 3 little boys. She even gets down on all fours and lets them ride her like a horsey. They don’t have family nearby.
I have a single 70 year old friend who shows love to her neighbor family by being “Grammy” to their 3 little boys. She even gets down on all fours to let them ride horsey.
Kindness is sharing your strength instead of highlighting another’s weakness
I love this !!! For me it is to spend time with someone regularly, focussing on them and what might bless them ❤️ And not thinking about how “busy” I am and rushing my time with them ❤️😊
Love is showing patience with the children and elderly. Paying attention to people around you and seeing when they are in need and praying for God to give you the tools and words to show that love when the opportunity arises.
Encourage one another. Genuinely listen to others, ask questions, and give words of encouragement.
I think that we ladies must start smiling and quit frowning. We look like sour pickles half the time and how is that going to help someone else?
I’m looking forward to seeing you at Lincoln Christian University in April!!
I jumped up and down when I found out you were coming. I love your lessons and your laughter. I’m a serious girl who loves to laugh and doesn’t get to do enough of it.
Love is easy when you think of your loved ones, friends and other church members. But I believe that true unadulterated love will show kindness, respect, and love even to those who others will shun, judge, and speak harsh words to or about. I have seen Christians treat others who may be of other persuasion as if they were the scum of the earth. Reject a gift from a prostitute because the Christian said the gift would be dirty as the person was. But how can we show that person who has a soul the way to the Lord if we treat them that way. We are entreated to be ministers of reconciliation (II Cor 5:18,19). Plant seeds of love and let the Holy Spirit do the rest. Love is very powerful when it is true love.
Become so acquainted with a new friend that you supply a need for them. Because you have cared and loved enough to seek out that need. We must become good listeners, in love.
I made a New Years resolution yo wrote encouraging cards to loved ones. To be honest, I haven’t been so stringent; but I am going to start up again do that I have that constant reminder to be loving!
Hello Liz,
I am learning how to love one another by watching and listening to other Godly women that the Lord has placed in my life.
Some of these women are in a very trying and difficult circumstances. And yet, these women who are in these stressful situations continue to LOVE and walk closely with the Lord and they exhibit His peace that surpasses our understanding daily.
It is amazing and beautiful to see!
Love one another by praying for each other.
It can be as simple as acting on that first impulse that rises inside you when you hear a comment or see an expression…I recently read a story about a neighbor who after watching his elderly neighbors walk together each afternoon, reached out to hug the woman when she walked by and said, “I don’t have him anymore.” As a widow, I can assure you that his hug meant the world.
We should always look at someone as Jesus would look at them, never judging or condemning, but loving them. We need to remember that we are all sinners and the fine line between a saved person and an unsaved person can only be crossed by the grace God extends to us because He loves us.
We just lost a dear friend. She was our granddaughters kindergarten teacher. I already miss her so much. How do you explain to a child about death . (5years old). Our hearts are broken. We know she with our Lord, lady of strong faith. I just really need your prayer. Thank you. Love your messages
It can be in the simplest ways… holding the door open, letting a car in front of you, smile at a stranger, pay it forward at a drive thru. You might not ever know how much these bits of kindness affect these folks, but The Lord does. ❤
Dear Liz,
For me, love means serving. We serve God by serving others remembering that love is first and foremost a VERB. How did Christ love us? By offering himself up, by serving, by dying on the cross for each and every one of us!
Remember to get over myself. It is not about me. Love is about how I treat others.
Be willing to go “the long” haul with another person who is hurting.
When I think of the love God wants us to have, I think of a love that is hard. A love that is beyond the easy love, like loving your grandkids. It’s the loving the unlovable. The ones the world tells us to rid yourself of, the ones they refer to as toxic people. They need Jesus, they need to see that they are not to to far gone to be loved. We should be steadfast and not easily persuaded to give up, as God never gives up on us.
And only through Gods grace are we able to do this. 🙂
Love is sharing and reaching out helping each other.i have been real sick with Type A flu and a wonderful church friend has gracious share with my husband and I bringing us groceries and meal so many times ,please bless her Judy Davis for loving and caring and sharing..
Good morning Lizzie
Thank you for this devotional, it reminds me of how I need to love others more than myself.
I have been asking our Lord for this lately and he has been using different devotions to encourage me.
Your devotional is the last one so far and now I understand how good our God is.
To I am stepping out and I am choosing to love in action. Not sure how it will work but the hour at a time.
God bless you both
Give of your time freely to show love. ❤️ This always requires sacrifice. A little sacrifice of sleep, turning off the TV, going out in the cold instead of staying cozy – we can all think of what we would need to sacrifice to love practically. This is truly valuable and puts others before our own desires. Have a lovely weekend and thanks for giving away such great books all the time!
Say something positive to every person we encounter throughout our day. Kind words spoken can be meaningful to someone with a burden.
Reflect God’s love in your every day actions. When you smile, open a door for someone, small acts of kindness, things like that. But most of all praying for each other. God is Love.
We can love one another by encouraging each other through a smile, encouraging words, an act of service, and always praying for others.
Loving one another can look different for every individual. Taking the time to observe and encourage. Genuinely asking how are you and seeking to help. It could be bringing a cup of water, or offering to hold a child or letting someone know you are praying and that they are not alone.
Funny how those three words “love one another” sounds so easy, but at times can be so hard. I’m learning as I grow in my relationship with God, when it is hard to show love towards someone who has hurt you that I have to lean on Him, asking Him to heal my hurt, to help me forgive that person, and to pray for that person. It is hard to not forgive someone when you sincerely pray for that person. So, at times to love one another means to pray for that person.
….. to love the “unlovable”…. isn’t always easy, but they need Christ Love the most. Prayer is the best way to love them….. they can’t “fight” us over this…… the “unlovable” has no say in the matter of if we pray for them….. but O the power of prayer….. as God works to change them but it will also change us as we pray for the “unlovable”. A win-win situation…. to be LOVED.
Thanks
Slow down. Look people in the eyes and let them know they are important to you.
Intentionally praying for each other is a great gift of love. Standing in the gap is a privilege as we lift others to the Lord.
How to “Love One Another?” First, a smile with your eyes and your lips; a simple, “Hello” or “How are you today?” a handshake or gentle touch on the shoulder, pat on the back; any way that we can “reach out and touch” another’s life.
How to love one another? Remember Jesus and His love for you. Give a smile to others, look them in the eyes, and be generous with kindness. Pick up the dropped item for someone. Hand someone an item from the shelf at the store that they cannot reach. Volunteer at a soup kitchen and eat and talk with those who come in. Be grateful for your life and God’s abundance.
I think to truly love one another intentionally is sort of hard ! It means giving up my ways to do something His way ! Taking time out of my busy days to stop and do something for someone . Unselfish, freely giving , especially when you don’t want to , but you do it because you know it’s love , motivated by Christ in you !
Oh how I love your faithfulness to share God’s word & your heart! I think that’s the best encouragement we can give others! Recently the Lord’s prompted me to send a daily verse to specific ones, and my prayer is that He will speak to their hurting hearts ❤️ See a need, meet a need!
Wow! This is exactly what I needed to hear! 😞. I am struggling with this very thing. My heart knows but my flesh struggles!
Thank you for sharing God’s word!
Kelly
Praising God for reminding me that “love one another” is an action phrase.
We should always correctly view others merits and shortcomings.
Posses conscience reason when interacting with others.
Love one another.
Loving one another is intentional. It is being WITH the person, sitting WITH them when their life turns to ashes, crying WITH them in times of grief, and rejoicing WITH them in times of gladness. Imagine Jesus standing right there with them and your love, forgiveness, patience, kindness, gentleness, etc will flow much more freely from you to them.
I know the love of God is working in me and through me as I continue to love my husband who has sinned against me numerous times. It is only by the power of God that I love him. God is so good!
This “love” is an intentional thing. In the turmoil of shifting values, we need to hold firm in our faith that we do not become prisoners in a world of seductive voices. In Psalm 51 we ask; “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” May it be so!
I think that we need to make time for one another, to be a part of each other’s lives.
Loving my family is sometimes more than it seems I can handle. Then, Christ tells me to love my enemies?! Only in Him and through His power us that possible. Thank You, Jesus, for Your Spirit within me…..Amen
Yes, I agree. Sometimes, I find that I can best show love to family at times without them knowing is simply biting my tongue.
You can show love by going out of your way to do kind things for people, also by giving grace when you feel they’ve messed up, and also by serving and waiting on people.
I believe we can always find something good in even the worst people. I always try to find something to love in everyone. Show love to others, even if it’s just holding a door for someone at a store. We don’t know what others have been through or are going through at the moment and I believe a smile or good gesture given through love will go a long way.
I think loving one another sometimes is easy and joyful/fun and sometimes very hard. Especially loving those that are not ‘loving’ towards us. I’m experiencing this right now in my family. This person doesn’t even seem to like me. For me, loving her looks like praying for her daily, sending a text now and then, and looking for ways to be kind – expecting nothing back. That’s actually where I am right now today.
This was perfect for me today read and “hear” today. I’m going to volunteer my time with my local human trafficking task force at our info table. My first ReImagine event where local less fortunate communities learn more about free services for them and many will be offered to them today. I know God’s love will be seen, shown and shared today.
Loving others is following Jesus’ example; that is, meeting people’s needs where they are. Most of us come in contact with others during our daily routines. Do we take the time to interact with them and to really listen to them? Just greeting and smiling at those we meet can open doors for further conversation. My prayer is that God will open my eyes to really ‘see’ those whom I meet each day.
humble yourself, not looking at our own interest but the interest of others and love! love! love!
See people through HIS eyes is the only way to love everyone. We all have people who are easy to love but everyone is a harder task.
For these next weeks leading up the glorious Easter Sunday, I’ll be sponsoring a new candidate into our church. This is way out of my comfort zone as I consider myself not so much a “Bad Girl” but an “unworthy girl”. It will be a small step toward sharing my faith & love w/a stranger.
Loving one another looks so different depending on the communities where we live but loving one another looks the same when love comes from an authentic desire to share the love of Jesus. For some who are home bound, love looks like praying fervently from where we live. For students, it’s being kind to the person who feels isolated from others. For those in the workplace, it’s doing everything as unto the Lord, with integrity, so that others see the difference. No matter who or where, love is esteeming others more important than ourselves.
We can love practically by giving each other grace and forgiveness as God gives to us.
One great way to love others is to be careful of what we post on Facebook and other social media.
I believe to love one another we should reach out to people everyday. I like to start my day by send encouraging words to my friends. It might be a bible verse I just read or something else. I like to start their day on a positive thought.
I Thess 5:15 A”See to it that no one repays evil for evil for anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.” We are always to Love One Another. I am doing your study Bad Girls of the Bible and this was in my lesson today about the woman at the well.
So many of us are so busy doing our desires that we forget that there are so many lonely people right around us. We are selfish with our time! We should step outside ourselves and share our most precious time with others. Maybe a neighbor who stays at home alone or even visit a person in a rest home. I have found that we do not really know those around us and someone may be so very lonely and we may be right there with them and not even be aware of this. Share our precious time with others…..love on them with our presence and even if we just sit quietly with them, they will know that we love them.
We can love one another by serving one another. We can invite a military family ( whose mate is deployed ) over for a meal once a week; or that mom of a little one – go to the house one morning and tell her to take the day to do something for herself while you watch the little one; give your Pastor and his wife a night out with a gift card to a restaurant and a gift card to a movie; or treat your spouse to a “date night” do something they enjoy; or take a baked item to that widow or widower down the block. I could go on but I think you get the picture.
I am reminded of Corrie ten Boom and her encounter with a former concentration camp guard. He had since come to the Lord. After Corrie’s teaching he came up to her. She had to decide to forgive him. She couldn’t. But she knew that God could. Her feelings weren’t agreeing but she chose to obey God. As she spoke his hand the Spirit moved and her heart opened. Love is a matter of will. We have to choose to obey the Lord and to love inspite of what others have done to us.
My New Year’s resolution for 2020 was to Be Kind or Be Quiet. Have not been quiet a couple of times and have fallen short on the be Kind. When I do mess up, I feel it, knowing I would not like it if someone treated me this way. So I think if more people would just be Kind and know when they are not we would be a better place to live in.
Whether it was given to an individual or as a collective group it is still our individual instruction if not command, love one another. Thanks for the reminder.
We can love one another when we put away our pre-conceived notions of what they are about and listen to what they are saying. The mouth speaks what is in the heart. Listening well helps us to understand how we can best relate to them with their best interests at heart.
Pray for one another. Text or call. Visit if you have time. Take the time. Listen to them. At least don’t get mad if they text you like I had someone do me. Call to see how they are doing. Just show them you care.
A practical way that I use to show that I love, care, am thinking about, and am praying for someone is to send serious or fun texts in the morning during my quiet time. A verse, a thought, a song, etc. may bring a certain family member or friend to my mind, so I’ll send a quick text with a verse or some kind of encouraging note. Sometimes I’ll just send a fun picture or a ‘Bitmoji’ with ‘good morning’ or ‘have a great day’ attached. I send these to my husband who leaves for work very early in the morning, friends, family who live far away (especially my son and daughter-in-law), or even my own teenage kids who may still be sleeping in their rooms! It helps to stay connected and let folks know they aren’t alone that day. They know I’m thinking about them, and God’s powerful Word gives them the strength they need to face the day. 😊
Pray for one another call or go visit because one day the may gone and we can not speak with them.
“Love one another” has taken on a very personal meaning for me in recent years, with the Holy Spirit telling me I must love someone who has brought great pain and despair into my life and the lives of my family members. I am reminded that Jesus came, died, and rose again for EVERYONE. I want to be used by Him to love this person to Jesus and my precious loved one too. My prayer is 2-for-1! The love ofJesus never fails, my hope is in Him because of His great love for us, everyone. He is empowering me to love and prayer for someone I would rather cast aside. Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus, our example!
I can show love to another by not expressing my opinion on a matter unless asked.
Create a meal train for people who have had recent surgery or other health issues that make it difficult to prepare meals.
When God asks us to love one another, I always look to see what someone might need. Sometimes its a complement, a cup of coffee or just a listening ear. I do what I can with each person I come across. Sometimes when I don’t know what I can do for someone, I make sure to pray for them and ask God to help them with whatever they might need and use me if it’s in his will.
Love with kindness, humility and encouragement. I’ve had two elderly neighbors to live right next door. My husband and I “Loved’ them in various ways ; cooking a meal, cleaning, yard work, hair cuts or just visiting. Now we have our first young family to live in this home next to us and they are a challenge for me because they don’t seem to want even our friendliness let alone any act of kindness. I remind myself that I shouldn’t stand by and judge them but continue to love them, even if the only thing I’m doing is praying for their wellbeing. Maybe some day I can show them love in some other way.
I think we love others by keeping our eyes & ears open. Focusing on God & then looking around to see what is needed. Is it a hug? Is it an ear to listen? Does someone sick need their house cleaned or a meal? Being open & willing will spread the love.
“how we can practically and effectively love one another.” Practically love one another is to remember Who loves us and forgave us our sins, our ignorant speech, or nosy intervention. Effectively, we must realize God said, Love! Not, “try to love.” God never asks us to do something that cannot be done. We must keep our eyes and heart on Jesus as we obediently follow Him. Do it! Love! Even when we don’t like someone, their ways, their wicked ways. Love! is a command, not a suggestion and to say, “I cannot” is to deny the very love God has for us. Hard to do? When our carnal nature rules, yes! When we love the Lord our God with all of our being, He opens the path for us to ease into His consuming love and thus, Love will be seen in us and flow from us.
Put family before self, smile to strangers, hold the door for strangers, pray for the lost, invite friends to church, etc, etc.
I check in frequently with my elderly parents and also my son and his wife who have small children. I want to be there for all of them and help in any way I can.
Liz…..Our group of Bible Study Ladies just finished It’s Not Supposed to be This Way by Liz T. I am looking forward to this new book on the similar topic Made to Move Mountains. I ordered a copy for our daughter as well who works in an inner city school system in Dayton, Ohio. It’s nice to share our thoughts and scripture we learn from reading and discussing the uplifting thoughts in these books. It strengthens us in our different seasons of life and we encourage one another. I find that doing this allows us to speak Truth to each other and I feel I am giving her what she needs to be that woman in Proverbs 31. Her husband is a policeman and they need lots of love and prayers…
How best to love others I believe begins with me stripping away the judgement, try to see them as Christ sees them in order to truly love them to Christ and in Christ.
Praying for others, being their to just love them. Not trying to fix them but to listen to them. ❤️
LOVE ONE ANOTHER
It doesn’t cost us anything. We don’t have to be a world renowned speaker or a best selling author. There’s plenty to go around and we can refill our hearts every morning! Age is not a factor. I have been overwhelmed by a simple jester of love given by an innocent child and I have been humbled when an elderly grandmother put me first before herself. Love is silent but it speaks volumes when you’re the receiver. They saw something good in ME and at that moment I loved them back. I accepted it! Love was reciprocated in that moment because of one tiny gesture!
Sadly, many times the receiver may have a hardened heart and may not accept your small gestures of love, but keep pouring it out my friend! Your love is not contingent on receiving. It’s from a deeper place in your heart. It’s a God-given love. You don’t need a big crowd. You don’t need to rehearse. It’s in the little things. Be ready. That young Mother checking your groceries has a hard life and needs a kind word this morning. The elderly gentleman is struggling to get his key in the door and needs a hand. Your kind gesture softened his heart with thoughts of his own daughter. You can see it in his eyes.
Life is busy and it’s so easy to become selfish with our time and even prideful because we feel like we’re much more important in the grand scheme of this day. How easy it is to have tunnel vision because we’re merely just sheep who easily lose our own way.
His mercies are new every day! And its a new choice every day for us. Choose to give love. Pride will damage our hearts and undermine our ability to give love. Humility is the anecdote for pride. Be humble. God loves us all the same! Love others the same. Pour it out! Your well cannot run dry. And the craziest thing will happen! You’ll find joy like you never knew. And you’ll soon be looking for someone who needs love because your own heart is overflowing.
Join an private online Facebook prayer group and pray for each request that is posted!
When I have difficulty loving the way the Lord desires I love someone, I pray that the Lord would help me to love them the way he does. This always helps!
Liz, if we would only LOVE like Jesus loved! I ask Him every day to let me love like He loves, let me SEE how He sees. It is in the DOING and not in the ASKING, so help me, Lord Jesus!! I want to be a doer, and not just a hearer of the Word.
We can love one another by not responding back to people who criticize and judge us and others. Love one another.
I want to love everyone but I’m wondering myself why it can be so hard at times.
We, my husband and I, try to look daily for whom we are to love today. Sometimes it is easy, sometimes very difficult, taking us out of our comfort zone. Most times it is unexpected.
Dearest Liz, your words are always so meaningful! Thank you for taking time to share with Us! I have purchased a bottle of sparkling cider ,then given it to a stressed out cashier . Or buy an extra bouquet of flowers at the market to surprise a stranger who looks like they’re having a bad day . Luv, BobbliLynn Miller
I clean my parents’ house. Not all the time.
One way I believe we can practically and effectively love one another is to genuinely ask, “How are you doing?” while being still, looking in the person’s eyes, and perhaps touching a hand or arm, patiently waiting for an answer. I believe this opens hearts and encourages people to share in a way that otherwise would be difficult to impossible. Truly caring and conveying that through simply asking how someone is doing (and MEANING it) can be powerful in its effect on others. Thank you Liz. 😘
Loving others by doing or saying something kind to someone daily shows them the love of God.
Liz, I enjoyed today’s message sooo much, and I believe the greatest life we can live is to love God and love others as He loves us. If we truly do this, all the other commandments fall into place.
You are my inspiration and remain in my prayers.
To me, loving others begins with me first loving God ; turning control of my fears, frustrations, etc with others to Him and acknowledging that I am flawed and in need of His grace. Then going out and being present with others. Listening, really listening, to them. Praying with them, and letting them know they are never ever far from God’s presence in their lives.
Liz, your words always inspire me so much! I know in this time it’s hard to love ❤️ everyone! How do you love someone who teaches “death to America!”? And there is no love 💗 between political parties, even in families!
I believe rather that we are to love ❤️ and pray for their souls! We know that God created EVERY one. They may make different choices than we might make, but God gave them that ability and right! Who are we to try to change them or second guess God’s creation? But if we pray for their souls, the Holy Spirit listens and can speak directly into those hearts!
Thanks be to God!
Aha!!! I’m glad you said where the photos were from! I was going to ask if they are Scotland!!! Can’t wait for your next book from that setting!
As old fashion as it may sound for a grandmother 👵🏼 To still make cookies, I like to share love through baking. Cookies! It’s easy to make a batch and find someone to share this sweet gesture. I’ve taken some this week to my co worker’s children. They look forward to an after school treat their mama brings home. Of course, my own grandkids are favorites too- I’m learning to share love dairy and gluten free on occasion too. 🍪 Thanks for all your encouragement Ms. Liz!
For me it is helping your neighbor. I live in the snowbelt region of Northwest Lower Michigan. For the last three days we have been hammered by heavy blowing snow. I live in a senior apartment complex and on days like today we are helping each other to dig our cars out for the plow to clean up the parking lots. Some aren’t able to do this so we band together to help those who can’t. We also check to see if someone needs any groceries and if someone is brave enough drive in this-we go. Love your neighbor says it all.
Being a good listener. Being willing to help wherever needed. Showing grace and mercy to broken people (aren’t we all broken in some way?)being the hands and feet of Christ to a needy world.
One way we can love one another is by donating ‘pampering ‘ products to the nearest battered women’s shelter. You know one way to feel extra special about yourself as a woman is to look and smell good. Bath bombs, brushes, curling irons, body mists – the real woman necessities!
Ask the personal questions of each other and be prepared to spend the time listening and praying with one another. “How are you?” is so generic that many times it is answered by simply repeating the same question. What about “I know you were having some struggles in your finances a few months ago. Have things gotten better for you? How do you see the Lord working in you through this time?” Or “Hey I haven’t forgotten when you requested prayer for your marriage a couple of weeks ago. What answers to prayer have you seen so far in the marriage?”
I think we don’t realize how hard it is for some people to connect with others when they are struggling in life but that connection with a fellow believer is oftentimes the Holy Spirit’s answer your prayer. Be real and be concerned and be faithful in friendships.
One of the ways we can love one another is by providing for a known need. Several years ago God laid it on my heart and my churches heart to provide back packs and school supplies for the local title one school. Most of the children come from impoverished homes. It’s a once a year event but every back pack is prayed over with love. I believe the children know they received God’s love in their back pack. The local Gideons give us New Testaments to put in each back pack.
You love beautifully, Liz, through your words!
We share God’s love by gently holding the hands of a poor man or woman and feeding them; not once, not letting them go hungry. I volunteer in a non-profit agency where we help training people in need in many areas, we give them food, we create resumes, we have budget classes, I have a Job Hiring Event. We show them God’s love by helping them to help themselves.
Ms. Liz,
I enjoy doing things anonymously. Mostly giving gift cards . There is a very sweet older lady in church who’s son is in another State and has a lot of health problems… she doesn’t have enough to take care of herself, yet she is always sending money to her son. I see a lot of love in that! and sadness too. I’m happy to bless her in giving her gift cards to grocery stores mostly. Seeing how very much she appreciates this, blesses me.
It is a blessing from Our Lord!!
PS.. You are a blessing to all who know you…. and your work.
One of my biggest challenges in loving others is to not jump to conclusions! When I hear or read a comment I find that I often think the worst or assume there is a motive to the stated words! I’m working hard to give people the benefit of the doubt and assume innocence, kindness or a simple misunderstanding. Offering this kindness is a loving (and easier) thing to do! Thanks for the reminder to think about offering love 💗!!
Wow I love being able to write down how we can love one another. In my readings on love this morning I have found lots of verses which tell us to love the Lord with all our heart,soul, and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves. The first thing that comes to mind is being kind to everyone and I like to thank others when they show kindness to me. Another is being an encourager to my family,friends, and people I do not know. I give truthful compliments to others everyday and for the most part – they tell me than you. Above all we need “to love the Lord who fist loved us so we can love others”.
Even just a smile or a kind word shows love and can lift someone up. My word for this year is love, and I am reading through the Gospels to learn how Jesus loved people since we are to love others as he loves us.
Simply be kind
What better way to love each other as women, particularly, as to have the women we see struggling…into our home for a wonderful cup of coffee :)….an ear to listen…and a heart to pray and praise our faithful Heavenly Father…together!
God’s helped me climb so many mountains in my life and I’ve felt frustrated and thought I’d never reach the other side – but I have. When I left my marriage over 20 years ago, I left with so much anger and bitterness towards men in general but I’ve found my way with God’s love and guidance. I’ve forgiven my ex and learned acceptance and forgiveness. I’ve never remarried but am ready for a relationship in His time.
Suspend feelings and first impressions, see others through the eyes of Jesus, and love as Jesus would love. We are here to help others get through this life by sharing the message of His sacrifice and profound grace.
Any love that we have for others is cultivated only by God. Love begins with God through a small feeling in our spirit; is shared with others through the encouragement of God; and even helps us love ourselves when the world says we’re worthless, but God says we are worthy of His love.
Just listen…
Jesus said that we should love one another. I believe that we should love like Jesus loved, and show more compassion for our brothers and sisters. We should also love those that unlovabe, those that can give nothing in return, because those are the ones that need the love we have to share.
I sure could have a couple of mountains in my life moved!
To me, loving others is about being a light in this dark world. My coworkers, neighbors, and family tend to confide in me. They vent, they rage, they complain about the hard times in their lives. I try to offer two things: an ear to hear (or a shoulder to cry on) and words of encouragement. “I’ll be praying for you,” is usually how I end those conversations. What better love than to remember someone to our loving Father and join with their prayers in agreement?
I think we should smile at everyone we see and that will brighten their day, and if you are smiling you have to be happy and showing some love.
Smile on girls!
Practically – love one another through prayer for one another. Effectively – love one another through prayer for one another. Our most powerful tool is prayer. The way to practically and effectively love one another that we can each see is to be kind, find a way someone needs to know they are loved (a kind word, a gentle gesture, a simple hug, or maybe a tight hug). Whatever that person you cross paths with seems to need. God has placed them in your path for a reason. Make your simple act of kindness be the thing that tops their day!
A smile goes a long ways and add a kind word or compliment and you might have made someone’s day much brighter.
I believe one way to show love for one another is to pray fervently and wholeheartedly for each other. We can show our support for each other through loving support in our prayers and by sending encouragement to each other. It only takes a few minutes but is ever so powerful . Ty for your amazing books and teachings. I thoroughly enjoy them and they are helping me on my own journey. God bless you.
God is so good to us and has been especially loving to me this year. On Jan 5th of this wonderful year I married the most perfect (for me) man of my life. I waited 15 years for my dream to come to me and now its here. I think if we can forget our differences and remember we were all made by the same God of love to share that love we would spread love better. I am now a minister’s wife and it is a trial, but it gets easier the closer I get to the God who made me out of His love for me and for lives He knew I would touch. He is fantastic and I am blessed!
This is so true. We show our love for one another not just by words, but in action. Isn’t this what James meant? Be DOERS OF THE WORD. Sometimes we have to really put ourselves out to help someone, or sometimes we have to do what we really don’t want to do, but does God honor that? I think so!
I try so hard to love others and my flesh gets in the way so much…. though Liz you never pick me for winner. …. that is fine with me… I just want to share GOD’s love and ask for this book to help me love others more…
My Pastor has been speaking on Love and it has been awesome. I want to be who shows Love in all I do. Thank you!
Just by saying the words please and thank you to some one shows that you care about them. Also, keeping an open mind(not being judgemental) about others and how they live. They may need someone to just listen to them about their problems and you just might make a new friend in the process. Spread joy wherever you go!
A few years ago, I was struggling with loving a neighbor who approached life VERY differently than me. I found myself judging her choices. How dare I, right? Yes, but as a believer, (and she is a professing agnostic), I was disturbed by the consequences of her actions. During a prayer walk in my neighborhood, instigated by my church, I was overwhelmed with the thought that it was not my job to judge or even question her decisions or way of life. My responsibility is to just love her and her family just the way they are. I repented and asked God to give me an opportunity to love them and see them as He does. Yikes! I GOT MY ANSWER IN SPADES! Through a series of events, I am now hosting a neighborhood BIble study on the Fruit of the Spirit. I opened it up to everyone, because who wouldn’t want to study “JOY?!” So, now, since June, this woman, another self-professing agnostic, and several other believing neighborhood women, are coming weekly to study God’s Word and support and encourage each other. Ahh. How God answers prayer. It’s ironic and funny. But OH! how the Holy Spirit is working in these women and me! I am truly feeling His love for this friend in my hood!
Currently, sending cards and pressing on. People can make these things much harder than they should be on the surface. Still, trying to continue with both.
Invite a friend for a cup of coffee or tea. Then listen….really listen to her. She will know you care in the good times, bad times, or when life turns upside down.
Take an interest in anyone you meet, in the grocery store or Doctor’s office or work etc., and listen when they talk. Pay attention to them.
“Love one another” I love how you said Jesus doesn’t ask much of us just 3 little words….. those words remind me of when Jesus said “with out me you can do nothing.” Because without Jesus I Can not love others, not like Jesus’ example was!! But as Jesus repeats his commandment over and over in His Word, I feel the pull to do my humanly best, and let Him do the hard part. For some we can love them by doing for them, leaning and helping hand, money, our ear when they need someone to listen. For those difficult to love people well we need to give them Jesus, all the Jesus in us that we can show! Patience, Mercy, Grace, and Pray hard for them!! And Bite that tongue, that world of iniquity, lock it up behind the bars of our teeth and simply smile at those we struggle to Love. Jesus will do the Loving for us, as long as we control our sinful self as much as possible!!
Thank you for the admonition to think about what it means to Love One Another!
I love your blog and am very thankful that God leas me to you through a program I heard you speak on BBN radio.
Showing compassion! Out of the blue invite someone to have lunch with you and pay for their lunch. Especially if they are living on low income. They get a free hot meal and fellowship time with you. Before metting them ask God to send the Holy Spirit with the words you need to convey to them in regards to hope and faith in believing things can get better for them with God’s help.
One way to share love with others is to be there for someone either by preparing meal for a family, give godly advice, or just taking the time to show your love and live it out for others to see and admire.
I earnestly pray for God to open my eyes to a situation in which I can show His love and be a servant to another. THEN…here HE comes with that situation, placing it smack dab in front of me!! Why am I not surprised? Sometimes it requires me to step out of my comfort zone, but God is right there with me, my ever present help.
Talk to people and listen. Have conversations. Spend time listening. And showing support.
Love one another…… be intentional about keeping in touch with a text message or a card in the mail. Or if that person lives with you, do little things like give compliments, notice a job well done, do a chore they usually do, or give a hug 🤗
when those “gossipy” thoughts popup: keep repeating Ps 19:14..”may the words of my mouth…” (sometimes A LOT)!! And say a prayer for that person!
Ephesians tells us our enemies are not flesh and blood, so that is every human, including ourselves. If God can show us mercy and grace, we have no excuse to not show mercy and grace to others.
I founded and operate a missions organization where we continually love others by finding items that are needed and supply them free of charge. Our supplies are sent to missionaries for distribution. Our goal is to show them love (missionaries, their families and those they minister to) and encouragement by providing them the best of the best not sending items they have to ‘make do’ with. I run a thrift store to help fund this ministry. It’s amazing the attitudes we run into. “it’s not good enough for me but it’s good enough for ‘them’… Jesus calls us to love others by putting their interests first.. if we all loved people by looking to their best interests instead of what makes us ‘feel good’, that would to me be fully loving people.
If we can remember that whomever we are dealing with is not only God’s beloved but also someone’s beloved and treat them as such since that is what we would want others to do for our own beloved family and friends.
Meeting some of the physical needs of a neighbor of a different faith is what God has put in my path. Confession time: sometimes I grow weary of doing good but He always gives the energy to keep going.
Remember the widows by calling, visiting or going out to lunch. I am a new widow of nine months. Friends have done this for me. This is love.
I have learned to love others by praying for them – remembering things that are really on their hearts and making them my concerns, too. I also enjoy giving surprises and sharing devotionals at work for special seasons like Christmas and Easter. Listening to someone who needs that opportunity to just get things off their chests is a way I show love and care, too.
I try helping with elderly friends’ transportation to doctors and out to eat or shop. I also keep up with those in the hospital and are sick in my congregation and family. I write on my phone calendar reminders of occasions, trips to check in with them, whatever to be more purposefully a friend.
I think we can practically and effectively love one another by first of all praying for each other. Other things are listening to each other. Sometimes we don’t have the answers but can provide a hug and listening ears. A note or a phone call to show we care is a good thing too. I know I appreciate those things and I’m sure others do too.
Just listen! So much noise today! Just be there and listen with an open heart and closed mouth!!!
Get out and DO for one another.
You are loved! Praying for and sensing others needs is very important. It means so much to know someone is praying for you and loves you. There are many that are hurting, sick, lonely, in need, and experiencing bad times that my prayer is for each one. Lord Jesus, help me to be more sensitive to the needs around me.
Loving one another is putting others first. It is helping others. It can as simple as saying hello or letting the person behind you in line go ahead of you.
I teach a Bible study and would love this to not on,y teach me but also the ladies in my group.
Thank you so much for showing love to us in this way.
As I was thinking of a response, my Grandma came to mind. You see, she is old, and she just moved into an assisted living residence – not her first choice. She is not only adjusting to a new home, but she is also grieving the many losses in her situation – loss of independence, loss of health, loss of energy, loss of friendships…you understand. She is not doing well. She is physically weak, she is nervous and anxious, she is sad and depressed, but I see her trying to adjust the best she can. Sometimes she says things to me that hurt, but I know it’s coming from the pain of grief and regret. I love her anyway. And I know that this love is not coming from me, but from the love that the Father has lavished on me. I believe He is letting me experience this love for my Grandma through His love. So, to answer the question, we can love others by allowing God’s love to pour through us toward others, no matter what.
A friend I’ve known for nearly 70 years, and who lives about 30 miles from me, recently spent a few days at my home, which she has done from time to time as a change of scenery and prolonged visit. She is of very modest means, and as per usual I took her out for dinner, and gave her 2 comforter sets I never use, and a pair of jeans she said would give her incentive to lose some weight. The morning she was leaving she said there was no more bath tissue in the guest bath she was using. I thought that strange since I had recently put a case in the cabinet. I gave her 4 rolls from a new case. As she was leaving I helped to pack her car, accidentally tipping over a tote bag containing 5 rolls of toilet tissue. I later discovered that she had wiped her black make up off with a white wash cloth and made no attempt to clean it. The shock has yet to wear off. I will continue to offer her what little help I can, but can no longer trust her in my home. I had been aware that minor items had been missing from my home, and that she has a somewhat narcissistic attitude. There is no cure for that. I will continue to love and pray for her.
Try to look at people and situations without being too judgemental [which can be REALLY hard sometimes, but may allow you to be kinder and tune in to needs, which can help you as much as them], and SMILE [only one suggestion, really????] ~
Thank You so much Liz, for being the WONDERFUL YOU that you are ~ My BEST to YOU
We can show love for others by doing things for them even when we do not feel like it. Another way to show love is by buying things for people for no reason other than to say that you were thinking of them.
Sometimes I think the best way to live one another is just to show up in each other’s lives! Stop waiting for the right time and just show up with the coffee, bring the meal, stop by with the hug and a prayer. 🙂
Hi Liz, We can love one another by sharing with the homeless on the street from our abundance and telling them that God loves them.
So the scripture says Love is action, not an emotion? Hmmmm I guess I can see that, but I think it’s both. Jesus said love your neighbor as yourself. I think that is emotion, but I guess also action. Gosh, something to think about.
To love someone is to spend time with them. It might be in person, over the phone, remembering them in prayer or thinking of them while I make a card for them and send it. It might be running errands or surprising them with a small gift or treat! So many ways “to do” love! Isn’t that just like God to make a simple thing with so many ways to do it! Can’t do it wrong if you just do it!
By coming along side one another and lifting up instead of tearing down. Pray for one another, when we see someone who seems down give them a hug and a smile. We don’t have to know what the problem is, we just need to pray for them.
We as women and Christians need to stop being critical and judgmental. The world has become unloving to women especially. Stop judging mothers who are struggling and come along side to help and mentor. We need to be kind, complementary, loving and helpful. The world has made mothers think they have to be superwoman.
You know I have found that giving a sincere compliment to other ladies when we are out and about is such a small act and yet if you watch you will get to see how their demeanor changes and you have no idea how deeply that may impact whatever God has for them to accomplish that day! We change lives by being KIND! I have found that doing this for not only the seemingly downtrodden but also the cocky, helps!! Sometimes arrogance is just a cover for how someone really feels toward themselves inside. So go make a beautiful tomorrow for someone you encounter!
How can we practically and effectively love one another? There are as many ways to show love as there are people. So, the root of it, I think, is to stay in the Word and in prayer. Then, LISTEN, to people to see what their perspective is of their need. I am guilty of hurting in my helping and perhaps ruining what God is trying to do! Take care of immediate physical and emotional needs, but always with the intent of pointing that person to God as the ultimate source to fulfill any need. That is real love!
While praying for one another is important, doing for one another is an important demonstration of love. Especially when these acts of love are done without the receiver knowing, this places an even more affectionate tone to the deed.
Seek to know your friend personally by knowing the burden she carries and acknowledging her efforts to compensate for it. Stand by her and acknowledge her efforts as she moves forward in her struggle.
Humbly, I suggest four steps.
LOOK DEEPLY. Every face we see every day presents a chance for us to look deeply into that human being who is one of God’s children. Yes, even the faces that scowl, glare, and intimidate. Even the faces of those who would do us harm. Push past the impulse to look away, and make yourself try to glimpse the soul that lies within. It takes only an instant. And courage.
SEE JESUS. Even in the most lost and depraved, our Lord Jesus is there. If you try, you will see Him.
ACT OUT LOVE. Simply a silent prayer for this child of God is an act of love. And then if there is an apparent and immediate need for this person, act on it, with no strings attached. Sadly, all of us have been approached for money by a man or woman on the street, a person who appears to be in the grip of addiction. Have the courage to give that person enough money to buy a meal, and pray that is the prudent choice of this suffering brother or sister. Give God the opportunity to make you His instrument.
CHERISH ANONYMITY. We do loving things in God’s name, not ours. From a loving act as serious as leaving a legacy to your church or to the charity dear to your heart, to an act as cavalier as paying for the car behind you in the Starbuck’s drive through, cherish the privilege of a nameless gift.
Thank you Liz for the moment to verbalize this, reminding me to act out love and hoping it will be a blessing to someone in your wonderful world of God’s family.
As I have rejoined my church that I grew up and learned the love of Jesus, they gave us some notecards. I send notes to friends, shut-ins, and acquaintances.
The love of God and Jesus is just a smile away, or maybe just listening.
Blessings, Kathy
I am so blessed to be discipling a woman (who was my student 27 years ago!) who is hungry for the Word! I don’t have a lot to offer, but I try to be generous with my time. That’s really all I have to give, and it’s what I love to give. Last week, I took her to the Creation Museum. I believe that she gained knowledge, of course, but I hope she also enjoyed my presence. I pray she feels loved!
Praying for individuals changes my perspective! It changes my heart as well.
My first thought was to simply “tell them” you love them. That could be family (spouses, children grandchildren ! 😉 ), but also friends we “love” to death! Outside of that to simply “serve” people. The church (volunteer), our neighbors (bring a meal or meet a need), our community (so many ways!). I think ‘serving’ always shows love.
Thanks for this beautiful blog today Liz!
I soooo love the photos and always want to jump right into them, if I could!
Much love,
Susan
Love One Another….. I think one way we can do this that is pleasing to God is to be anonymous when doing a good deed for someone else.
How can we practically and effectively love one another?
I live with my almost 97 year old mother. She is still able to do much of her personal care.
I help her and love her by doing her laundry, making her bed, grocery shopping for her favorite food, keeping the house in order and more.
Sometimes ill, unwanted impatient feelings and thoughts come unexpectedly.
Two resources I keep handy are a devotional on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. “Love is more than an emotion. It is forgiving, generous and rejoices in truth….. As we grow closer to God we realize the depth of His love for us and grow in our ability to truly love others.”
The other resource is Elisabeth Elliot’s “Forget Me Not, Loving God’s Aging Children.” Her last words in the brochure are, “instead of sinking into guilt and despair, we are going to keep on singing.” That is what Mom and I do each suppertime, sing from Richard Allen Farmers’ “Singing At The Table.”
Hi Liz, love one another, easier said than done; especially in our own families. When family members wrong us or children and grandchildren make decisions that we don’t agree with.
We always have to love, we don’t have to agree with what they do, but we do have to love them. We have to let them know we are there when they need us. Jesus did that with us, how can we do anything less? We have to pray everyday to see and love people through the eyes of Jesus.
Loving one another is not complicated, GOD made it easy for us. It just takes kindness.
Thank you Liz, for this call to encourage and love each other well. You asked for thoughts and ideas. Speaking for myself, when another woman takes the time to send me a card with some encouraging loving words, and perhaps a pretty little enclosure, a gift card for coffee, or just describing something she has been learning/reading/experiencing, it lifts my spirits so much. I real piece of mail addressed to me, tells me she cares enough to take the time to put her thoughts on paper for me. I feel loved, thought of, and cared about – and that is the best encouragement for these hard times.
Hi Liz …
Our beautiful country – South Africa – faces many challenges. Drought, electricity load shedding, poverty, failing infrastructure to name but a few. But we are able to face all these difficulties through prayer and reaching out and supporting one another in love.
Pray for my Dear Friend Carol as she is battling Cancer! I think that Kristen Welch book “Made to Move Mountains” would be a blessing to her.
One way I believe we do this is by really listening to each other and then supporting and encouraging each other in God’s Word. In this age of technology, eye contact and “face-to-face” time is so precious.
I would have to say to pray is one of the best ways to love one another. A simple card, note, or a phone call works well with prayers.
As much as Love is not a “feeling” but an action and choice, forgiveness also, is a choice. When I’m hurt by those close to me, even my husband’s unkind words, it’s much easier to shut him out, or retaliate with unkind words… but loving him is an action-choice, and can be seen in forgiveness, then in doing something kind for him, even if I don’t “feel like it”… by being patient and kind. By not keeping a record of wrongs… Not insisting on my own way… Not thinking the worst (evil) of him/others… Bearing all things. Enduring all things. Not letting love fail, but rather, trusting him to Him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:21-23; 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8
Loving everyone can start with unity in our own ranks. Obviously, not in everything! In essentials of the Christian faith, be of like mind. In other things, give grace for others to be different. Only then can others, both in and out of the faith, believe us when we show love through all the ways people have mentioned here.
My daily morning prayer includes “Let me see them with your eyes, hear them with your ears, and love them with your heart.” Pay attention to those around you and step out of your comfort zone if needed to give a helping hand or encouraging word, or pay it forward – the possibilities are endless and surround us always. One of the best ways to share Jesus (love) is to show it! Don’t forget that the ones closest to us need the same kindness, love, and grace we extend to strangers.
Putting others’ needs before our own…and not grumbling, complaining, or harboring resentment inside…is a practical, effective, and challenging way to love one another. [P.S. – Thank you for confirming that your lovely photos are of Lewis and Harris! My husband and I visited last year and absolutely fell in love with the Outer Hebrides.]
This is the scripture that came to mind when I thought about this. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
My understanding is flawed, I continue to try to keep my eyes on Him because I know I am weak and need His strength everyday to grow and be more like Him. I believe if we humbly seek Him and try to be more like our Savior, we will be loving one another in practical ways.
A kind word, a warm smile. Accept one another without judgement. Build one another up and live in peace.
I’ve learned over the years that small acts can make a huge difference. I’ve learned this by the love & kindnesses shown and given to me and my family over the years. Some acts of love shown me in Christ over the years: Being welcomed to a new neighborhood with a plate of goodies, a kind word given, Prayer, ( even in a text or email), bringing in garbage cans from the curb, feeding of pets & watering plants, giving flowers with a note, a meal. A visit to the hospital or home. A cup of coffee or tea -to just sit and visit. Buying of groceries, helping clean the house or folding laundry. I’ve been given a Thanksgiving turkey, a Christmas tree and an anonymous card with money in it….All these ( and more) have touched my life and my family’s with Christ’s love. Many of which I’ve been able, and blessed, to also do for others over the years. I’ve learned to Go to that Recital, that sports game, birthday party, baby shower, wedding or funeral if possible…. Often it’s been the love that was given Simply and without expecting anything in return. It has been acts of love shown & given to me by others in Christ that has helped me, served as examples and Encouraged me to go and do the same. I know I’ve still got a lot to learn, but having been on the receiving end has opened my eyes in various simple ways to give.
Not my original thought but one I have hung onto — “Do for one what you would like to do for all.”
I find loving one another is forgiving one another. I confess, it is so hard to forgive when you have been trampled upon by those who are closest to you. BUT, what did Jesus do? His sweet body was tattered and torn for me, how much more should I be aware that He loved me so much and that He has asked me to love and forgive those who have hurt me.
My response is because it is fresh in my mind. My most recent group book study has been “Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better” by Brant Hansen. Like you Liz, he inserts humor to drive his points home. We could just remove our easily offendable attitudes to improve our ability to love freely. As I’ve studied and become cognizant of my own shortcomings in this area, it has made me realize we all really do spend way to much time getting our feathers ruffled about stuff that really is silly and petty! Being more willing to offer grace and give others a pass for things that really will not change anything, we will find ourselves happier with ourselves and will exhibit happiness to others. That will make us more loving and lovable!
Pray for one another — and let them know you are praying for them. Send encouraging notes and cards to lift them up or just to let them know you are thinking of them. Smile, be kind, lend a helping hand. The list really goes on and on. Random acts of kindness — blesses the giver as much as the receiver.
Love you Lizzy!
I loved this message! You know, before I allowed Christ back into my heart 24 years ago I was a very cold, hard-hearted woman to deal with. There was not a person on earth that I liked, and I truly didn’t really love anyone but myself. Of course, I loved my children, but not enough to raise them in church with a church family and in a Christian home. I would tell them that I loved them every day, and I did all the things all other moms did every day. But, deep down inside every action and every word spoken was centered around no one but me, self-centered old me! In and out of relationships and marriages, searching for someone or something. Looking for love in all the wrong places, so to speak. Until, one night about 25 years ago, in a small country church, I heard Jesus’ voice tugging at my heart. Unfortunately, by this time my children were already grown with their own families to raise. I gave my heart to the Lord Jesus that night and my life truly has not been the same since. It was the love of God that taught me how to love. It was His love I had spent too long, too many years in search of.
With that being said, there are still people I meet in various places that I do not like very much. I do believe it is possible to not like a person and love them at the same time. I have a much greater compassion for them, for their souls. I pray for them and help them in any way that God allows me to help. You simply cannot love the way God intended us to love without allowing Him to live in your heart. Once you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and surrender your life completely to Him, you will love as commanded.
Ask how we can pray for the person and ask what we can do to help in a practical way.
My favorite Aunt has shown me a very effective way to love one another. Although she has numerous health issues and can’t be around large groups of people, she is able to love others in a unique way. She is an encourager. On a regular basis, she sends me handmade cards and notes with inspiring messages of love and hope from God’s word. She does this for my mom and my daughters as well, and I’m pretty sure she does this for others outside of my family. I have taken her example to heart and am trying to love like she does.
We can love one another better if we put ourselves in their place and love them as we wish others would love us. It can also help to walk in their shoes, so we have a better idea of who they are and why.
To love one another is to pray for them, encourage them and to bring them to Christ no matter what and to do it all in the name of Jesus 🥰
To love one another we need not judge them or their situation but should try to put ourselves in their shoes and see where they are coming from. Once we try, we show them love and compassion. We tell them that Jesus loves them and hears them.
Treat every person you meet as if they have a big open wound that you can see clearly; Because inside there really is one.
Several things on how to love one another:
1. Visit them, particularly if they have a need you are aware of.
2. If going through extremely hard times, illness or death of a loved one: call/or text and tell them you will be going to the store and would like to pick up item/items they might need.
3. Bake a bread and drop off at their house
4. When we experienced a death one friend brought over a box of paper products: kleenex, toilet paper, napkins, wipes, paper plates, bowls, cups., zip lock bags.
TO FORGIVE EACH OTHER WHICH SOUNDS EASY BUT CAN BE HARD TO PUT INTO ACTION
We can love each other by forgiving, being patient, being kind, loving, and praying for each other. We all go through seasons of rough times. If it wasn’t for my friends and family praying, loving, and forgiving I would not be here today.