December 2 - Love One Another

This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another. John 15:12-17

 

Do you remember choosing teams for sports in grade school and junior high? I was never very good at sports so I always cringed when it came time for team selection. I didn’t want the humiliation of being chosen last…or even next to the last. Jesus tells us here in these red letter words that we didn’t choose Him, but He chose us. It is so comforting and yet humbling to know that I have been chosen by God—He picked me for His team—a team of Jews and Gentiles.

 

But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

 

And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles. Romans 9:23-24

 

It gives me such confidence to know that God chose me from among the billions of people that He has created—He looked down and said—I want you on my team…part of my family. Yes. I’m adopted into God’s family. He predestined us to adoption as sons (and daughters) through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will…. Ephesians 1:5. Family! Are you part of God’s family, too? If you believe in Jesus as your savior—then you have been call and are adopted into The Family. So Jesus also tells us in these red letter words to “love one another” and that is what families are supposed to do—love one another.

 

How do you show your love? Friendly greetings, hugs, encouragement, training and correction, share material needs or blessings, rejoice together during happy times, and comfort each other in times of sorrow or hardships. Love one another just as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. That is a lot of love. Who in your circle of family and friends would be willing to lay down his or her life for you—or you for them? I don’t know if I could do that for many people…though for my family and friends I think that I could. I would take a bullet for them.

 

Dear Jesus—I’m asking, in Your name, that I would be strong enough if necessary to “take a bullet” for anyone in my family—or for any of my friends. I feel so privileged to be part of Your family. Please continue to bless those I come in contact with that they would see You and seek You with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. Thank you for loving us.

 

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).