Loving our neighbors isn’t always easy
February 27, 2024
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We love Him because He first loved us. If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? -1 John 4:19-20
God loves us and wants us to love others. It’s a message we hear again and again as we travel together THRU the BIBLE, but sometimes it’s more difficult than it seems. Consider this story from Tala in the Philippines:
“My neighbors have been quarrelling with us over many things lately. This weekend it became very intense. Their continual complaints and accusations overwhelmed us to a point where we are no longer talking. Today your program on 1 John 4:19-20 struck my heart. I was reminded that love is a vital component to our Christian living. It’s so easy to forget what the Word of God tells us about loving our neighbors … especially when we are angered. Thank you for the encouraging message. We will continue to pray God’s Spirit will help us remain calm and generous as we disagree.”
Thank God for His Word and His Spirit that intervenes when we need it. Together let’s pray 1 John 4:19-20 for our interactions with those around us … especially the ones who challenge us the most.
Father, thank You for Your deep love for us. As we spend time in Your Word give us a desire to share Your love with others. Help us to be different, to love when it’s difficult, and to love those who least deserve it … just as You have done with us. Each day, make us more like Jesus who loved even those who hated Him. In His precious name, amen.
You can count on God to bring good out of bad situations. Hear more tomorrow as we travel to Vietnam.
Listen here to TTB-Ilocano.