Thursday, July 5
On Loving Another
Narrative Lectionary Daily Devotions written by Kace Leetch from Clergy Stuff.
Many of us were raised in a narcissistic culture. We may not think so, but the truth is we were bred to look out for ourselves first. We are willing to give, but only if our own needs are met first. We are willing to help, but we expect help in return one day. We proclaim love, but secretly harbor hatred (or at the least, fear, lack of understanding, disdain, or apathy) toward some.
But Jesus called us to love others. To serve others. To put others before ourselves. But how can we give to others when there isn't enough for us? Interestingly, many who find that they give more than is within their comfort zone quickly become comfortable with giving, joyful even. Many who help without expectation of appreciation or reciprocation find that the helping is itself rewarding. And those who are willing to open themselves to the "other" find that others are not so different from us after all, and love multiplies.
When we do for others, we do for ourselves, too. Sometimes we just have to get our priorities straight to notice.
Narrative Lectionary Text: 1 John 3:11-17
For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We must not be like Cain who was from the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not be astonished, brothers and sisters, that the world hates you.
We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death. All who hate a brother or sister are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding in them. We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?