The legacy of love one another
Tradition says that the Apostle John continued preaching even when so enfeebled with age as to be obliged to be carried into the assembly; and that, not being able to deliver any long discourse, his custom was to say in every meeting, “My dear children, love one another.”
The Apostle John was touched by the love of God and his ministry was consistent in sharing that love. Please read the Gospel according to John and the books of 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John to get a picture of John’s understanding of love. Unlike other authors, who often refer to themselves in the third person as “the writer” or “this reporter”, the Apostle John referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” This reminds us that we should all think of ourselves as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”. And we should think of each other as “the disciples whom Jesus loved.” For instance…
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. (1 John 3:18-20)
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)
God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. (1 John 4:16-17)
Encouragement to love one another
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first. (1 John 4:18-19)
If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters. (1 John 4:20-21)
What will your legacy be?
You’re creating your legacy every day by the way you live, the things you do, and the words you say. Will your legacy be: “Love one another”? Or will your legacy be: “Claimed to love God but hated Christian brothers and sisters”? It’s your choice. What will your legacy be?
If you’re having a hard time loving your Christian brothers and sisters, please listen to the song, “I Am Loved” and think about the words…
I am loved, I am loved
I can risk loving you
For the One who knows me best
Loves me most
I am loved you are loved
Won’t you please take my hand
We are free to love each other
We are loved
Someday, I expect to see the Apostle John, and hear him talk about God’s love forever. If you’re looking for this kind of love, please write to us or join the conversation below.