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"-love, the new command" John 13:34-35
The NYTimes best selling book called The 5 Love Languages was written by Pastor Gary Chapman, who had years of experience counseling married couples. The languages he labeled were QUALITY TIME, AFFIRMATION, ACTS OF SERVICE, TOUCH, and GIFTS. Jesus modeled each of these throughout his ministry.
His conversation with the Samaritan woman was a clear example of quality time that changed her life (John 4:7-29). Time was a powerful act of love, but His words of affirmation also had profound outcomes. When Mary chose to sit and listen to Jesus much to Martha’s chagrin, Jesus affirmed that Mary chose well (Luke 10:18-42). The woman who pestered Jesus to heal her sick daughter was affirmed for her persistent faith (Matt. 15:21-28). Words of affirmation mattered to Jesus. When it comes to touch, the examples are easy to find, whether it was taking Peter’s mother-in-law’s hand to heal her fever (Matt. 8:14), touching the leper with a dreaded disease (Luke 5:12), or feeling the touch of a woman in a crowd of people (Luke 8:43-48), His physical touch changed lives. Jesus shared gifts through food (Matt.15:29-39), wine at a wedding (John 2:1-10), and most of all, His very life. Jesus showed His love every day of His ministry. Interestingly enough, He concluded His ministry by washing the feet of the disciples, commissioning them to serve people everywhere, so others would know His love by their actions and words (John 13:1-18). Jesus continues to show us all how to love.
How will people know we love and care about them? How will people know we love God?
Dear God,
Guide us as you did with the disciples of Jesus, so we can share your love in everything we say and do each day. Help us to hear your voice in the quiet moments. May we bring your love through actions as simple as a cup of coffee & chat or an encouraging text/card/call or a meal to someone sick or grieving. May we give a hug to someone needing comfort or a ride to someone who can’t drive.
Speak to us Lord.
Thank you for your love.
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