Love as Jesus Loved
Craig Lenfestey of Walpole, ME, USA
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. -John 15:9-11
As a young father I participated in a guided meditation in which we were to meet Jesus and ask him a question, then listen for his response. My question was, “Lord, what advice would you give me as a young father about the raising of my children?” The reply was, “Teach them how to love as I have loved you and given my life for you.” Within the experience was the overwhelming sense that I was loved by Jesus and was to share his love with others. I believe to love as Jesus loves is at the core of who we are as a people of faith.
A recent example of witnessing a person loving as Jesus loves happened in the fall of 2016. My wife Brenda and I traveled home to Maine to share in our niece’s wedding. It was a much anticipated trip for that reason, but for another as well. We were going to get to see our granddaughter whom we had not seen in over 15 years when she was four years old. And we were going to meet our new great-grandson.
When we arrived, many family members were gathered for the reunion. The first person Brenda went to was the mother of our granddaughter. Brenda quickly made her way across the room to embrace her. I was a distance away but witnessed the encounter. I heard the words “I am so sorry” as the mother apologized profusely for keeping our family from seeing our granddaughter. Brenda responded, “We are not going to dwell on the past. We are going to love each other as family and move forward together.” I had the sense that this is how you love as Jesus loves.
Prayer Phrase
I am about to do a new thing, now it springs forth… (Isaiah 43:19).
Spiritual Practice
A New Thing
Breathe deeply and listen within. Where is the Spirit doing a new thing in you? How do you feel about the new thing that might be emerging? Are you excited, resistant, fearful, hopeful? Take whatever you are experiencing to prayer. Breathe deeply and listen around you. Where is the Spirit doing a new thing in your community? Pay attention to how it feels to discern the Spirit’s activity and presence within and around you.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
