Where Is The Love?

Jesus said in John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (NASB)

Where is the love? Paul wrote to the church in Corinth that, "Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails;" (I Corinthians 13:4-8).

I'll be the first to admit that I have fallen short when it comes to this standard put forth on love. Have you been impatient for things? Have you ever been unkind? Have you sought what you want at the sacrifice of another? Do you see your way as the right way even at the possibility of hurting another? We have all fallen short and we all can improve, me included.

Jesus left us a command. "Love one another!" We must love with our actions, our thoughts, and our words. To love in any other way would be a contradiction to His standard. There are too many who serve themselves. There are too many who cater to just their wants and desires. When we show preference to another, we live out Christ in front of them. Christ was a servant. He didn't require any special treatment or favors. Christ loved through servant-hood. He allowed children to interrupt His busy day. He spent time with people who were less desirable. He touched the untouchable, He noticed the outcast, He gave attention to the hurting, He spoke to people that society said He shouldn't... He loved. Jesus knelt down and washed His disciples feet which was considered a servant's responsibility. He stretched out His arms and died (Philippians 2:3-8) for you and me. Jesus loved.

Our goal should be to imitate Christ. There were two commandments that He considered the greatest: (1) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. (2) Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39).

How would you describe your love? What are you doing to accomplish the two greatest commandments? If we don't love like Christ commands us to love, we are just a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.