Pastor's Ponderings
This week I have been sitting with Jesus’ words from John 13:34-35:A new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another.
What’s always struck me is that Jesus doesn’t describe love as an idea to admire – He gives it as a way of life to practice.
Love that looks like His love is never vague.
It shows up in time given.
In patience when we’re tired.
In choosing presence over distraction.In small, quiet acts that no one else may ever notice.
Sometimes I realize my love is easy to say. . .but slower to demonstrate.
And yet Scripture keeps gently pulling us back to something simpler and more honest: Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth (1 John 3:18).
Not louder love. Just truer love.
So here’s the question I’ve been asking myself: Who might God be inviting me to love more intentionally right now?
Maybe it’s someone in your home.
Maybe it’s someone you’ve grown distant from.
Maybe it’s the person who usually gets whatever is left of your attention.
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Love, the kind that Jesus modeled, is rarely dramatic.
Most of the time it looks like one small decision at a time.
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A listening ear.
A patient response.
A text you’ve been meaning to send.
A moment of prayer for someone else before you start your day.
Is there one small act of love you’re being prompted toward this week?
If there is, don’t overthink it.
Just take the step.
Jesus, teach us to love as You love --- not just with words, but with action and truth.
Shape our hearts so that the way we live reflects Yours.
Help us notice the people right in front of us, and give us the courage to love them well today. Amen.
Blessed Lent – when we see Jesus loving us to the end!
+PD