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Reflections: Daily Devotions in Disability Ministry

Loving One Another

July 8, 2010

John 13:35
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (NIV)

Janet lived in a home with three friends. Their house was on a nice quiet street with lots of tall trees. On sunny days they would often go for a walk and talk to their neighbors.

Mrs. Jones was their next door neighbor. She was a widow and lived all by herself. She worked in her garden everyday. She loved to stop her work and talk to the four friends when they walked by. She was a friendly neighbor.

One day, Mrs. Jones wasn’t working in her garden. She was sick and in the hospital. Janet and her friends prayed for her. When she came home, they baked some brownies and took them over to her. Mrs. Jones really appreciated their thoughtfulness, but she wondered why they were being so kind. Janet said, “Because this is what Jesus wants us to do. Love one another.”

What Janet said made Mrs. Jones think about Jesus for the first time in a long time. She had not been to church since her husband died, but maybe she would go to church this Sunday.

Jesus said that He wanted people to love each other. He said that people would know who believed in Him by the way His followers loved others. He meant that if we believe in Jesus, then we will be loving and kind to the people we meet. We will be happy to help others and pray for them. When we think about how much Jesus loves us, we can’t help but pass His love on to others. Sometimes we sin and are unkind. But if we tell Jesus we are sorry for our sins, He forgives us. He helps us to love each other.

Do you know who lives next door to you? How can you show love and kindness to them? What about praying for them?

Lord Jesus, we truly do love You. Please help us to love each other and show kindness and respect to others. Please forgive us when we sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jeanne M. Dicke, Ministry Consultant – MN & WI
http://bethesdalutherancommunities.org/resources/spiritualResources/pmc.asp

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