Love Each Other

MARCH 1, 2013
Today’s Reflection
JESUS DIDN’T SAY, “Be civil” or “Be nice.” Jesus went so much farther than niceties when he said, “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other” (John 13:34-35). “If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also” (Matthew 5:39). “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

That’s a tough order these days. It is so easy, now, to slip into thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that encourage mistrust and judgment rather than promote love and compassion. When I communicate more often through digital means than face to face, it becomes even easier for me to slip into places of labeling and criticizing others.

I want to become more aware of my own interactions—both digital and face-to-face. I want to watch out for the ways that I contribute to a culture of incivility and polarization by the things that I say, the stories or images I share in social media, the anger, hatred, or cynicism that I harbour or nurture in my heart. I want to challenge myself to take the time and energy to look more deeply into an issue–or the eyes of another person—before I jump into judgment.

– Alive Now, Jan/Feb 2013
Beth A. Richardson, “From the Editor,” pages 4-5 in Alive Now, January/February 2013. Copyright © 2012 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question
Where are you being called to love more deeply? Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture
No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13, NRSV

This Week: pray to be more faithful. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section below.

Did You Know?
Need a Spiritual Retreat? Join us at SOULfeast, the Upper Room’s spiritual retreat at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, July 14-18, 2013. Come discover how, as the Holy Spirit washes over us, this powerful presence brings us alive to God, community, transformation, and missions in the here and now. For more information, visit soulfeast.upperroom.org.

Saints, Inc.:
This week we remember Gabriel Francis Possenti (February 27).

Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Isaiah 55:1-9
Psalm 63:1-8
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Luke 13:1-9