(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 one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
(John 15:11-13) “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”(John 15:17) “This I command you, that you love one another.”
Reminder: "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will. When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!
It is God's will:
- that we love our fellow believers as Christ loved us (13:34-35)
- that we love one another with Christ's sacrificial love (15:12-13, 17)
Today's prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, how gracious and patient You are with us! It's obvious we need many reminders! How can we love and witness to our enemies, if we cannot even show love and get along with our brothers and sisters in Christ? Continue to convict, discipline, mold and shape Your Church into Your holy and precious image so that the world will take notice!
It is no wonder that the persecuted churches grow in number and strength, as they truly demonstrate sacrificial love, willing to die for their faith in You. Struggles from the outside inspire and require unity on the inside. But may we be willing to show that kind of love for each other even without an obvious opposing force. Help us to not become complacent and contentious with each other. Help us to continue serving each other in love. Help this to spill out to the community around us, so that they will come to know You. Amen.
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