10 Minute Tuesdays

John 13:34 "A new commandent I give you that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another."

Today, faithful chick is hosting 10 Minute Tuesdays and she has given us the above scripture reference and posed the following question. What is your take on this scripture? She would like you to meditate on the scripture for ten minutes and then come back and post what God has laid upon your heart. After posting, please go back to her site and link up.

I have to admit that I think reading this scripture gives me hope that it is possible. I know it is, actually. Where I run into trouble is when I am the recipient of bad behavior from brothers and sisters in Christ who I love and trust or whom I think should know better.

Something about being wounded makes you want to retreat so that you are no longer an open target. However, if Jesus is my example in everything, as He should be, He did not shut himself off. And this was His commandment to His disciples. It was a command that was impossible before He came. But He set before us a whole new standard of love and gave this new commandment.

I'm glad He did. I want to love. I need Jesus to be my vision and example so that I can freely love and hold thoughts captive when I don't want to. I'm glad He did not give us an option. I am a richer person for choosing to love.

The wisest counsel I was ever given was by a dear sister in Christ who once told me this "Did this person put you up on a cross? Did they put a crown of thorns on your head? Did they put you to death? Goodness me, looks like you have to love them!" She was very wise, indeed!

I want to choose to love. I don't want to be a clanging cymbal to the Lord. 1st Corinthians 13:1 "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal"

I want to choose to love. I do not want to fail. 1st Corinthians 13:8 "Love never fails"

This was a great meditation upon His Word this morning. Thank You Jesus for this command and Thank You for Your example! Thank You for loving us! Help us to love others and reflect Your love. Amen.