Reflect
Have you ever said the phrase, “Do as I say, not as I do?” Have you ever had it said to you? What was your reaction to being told to do something that the person speaking to you wasn’t willing to do themselves?
Jesus doesn’t use this phrase on the disciples, instead he says, do what I say because you have seen that I did it first and continue to do it. ”A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” (vs. 34-35)
Jesus set the standard for loving others. He loved the disciples and in turn they were to love those they encountered.
These verses are still in play for us today. If we have received the love of Jesus in our lives, we are commanded to then love others. We don’t get to pick and choose if we will love other people, and Jesus goes on to tell us the “why” we should. It’s because people will then know we are followers, not just acquaintances, of Jesus. We will stand out from the world around us as we share the love Jesus is lavishing on us with those around us. Who is Jesus inviting you to love on today?
Pastor Terry
Pray for Hockey Ministries International
For many players, coaches, officials, and parents, hockey is a culture – a community where “survival of the fittest” often prevails and people can become so consumed with ’success’ that they struggle for inner peace and purpose beyond the game.
For 40 years, Hockey Ministries International has interacted with players in informal settings, seeking to bring the peace, hope, purpose and value that comes from having a relationship with Jesus Christ.