Don't Leave Home Without It

We are to stand before one another spiritually transparent. It may not be easy bearing our true selves to one another, but it is necessary. What will others see? Will they see self-centeredness or arrogance? Will they see a self-absorbed life, or will they see one that gives and serves, one of compassion and caring?

As a believer in Christ, I know that my walk with the Lord should reflect how Christ would be to all people at all times. I fall short, but I try every day to do as the Word of God tells us to do, and that is to “love one another.” I think this attribute of a Christian’s character is so important. That is why God emphasizes it so much throughout the Bible.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 (NIV)

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)

In the above Scriptures, taken from the Amplified Bible, it is apparent that it is a command, not an option, to love. So how do we do this? Well, obedience to God is the first thing. Then we need to ask God for His help by praying. It is especially hard when we do come across those whom we call our enemies, but we must love them and see them through God’s eyes.

God is love Himself. He is the creator of love. If we stay in close fellowship with Him, we get to know Him and His very nature and character. It will not be difficult to put on a garment of love and humility to others, even if they seem unlovely.

When you rise in the morning, you clothe yourself in the natural. We should put on our Christian armor, too. We also need to put on our garment of praise each day in order to meet life’s challenges. But don’t stop there. Remember to clothe yourself with love as well. Take the time to look for ways to give it away to those who really need that special cloak to get them through their day. You will find that your life will be forever changed as you look at the world through God’s eyes of love.

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (NIV)

Copyright © Cathy Irvin. Used by permission.