I’m writing this after having been given the privilege by close friends at church, to be a witness at their wedding in a few weeks’ time. I have never been a witness before and will need to practice my signature. Being left-handed, and having to use an ink pen, I hope I don’t smudge it! My prayer for the couple is that the love of God that is eternal, will help them to fulfil their earthly vows.
Before Jesus left his disciples, he gave them this instruction:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34
Let us consider then how two of Jesus’ disciples described this love to others. Peter, the outspoken leader of the band of followers of Jesus, was a pioneer in sharing the good news with the world. He wrote at least three letters to the early churches to teach and instruct them on how to live.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
John, the disciple that Jesus loved enough to entrust the care of his mother to before he died on the cross, wrote:
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.”
As we consider this week how we value others, let us reflect on the words of Peter and John. We have had our classes for over 10 weeks now. We are beginning to know each other and understand how we work together. Let us use the time and shared experiences we have to deepen our love for each other. When we love, we see over the mistakes and see the heart. When we love, we have the promise that God’s presence is with us and his love is at work!
