As we said previously on September 27, we're back to basics with 1 John. And today, we learn of the basic commandment that we live by in 1 John 3:23, "And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment."
When I read this today, I was reminded of Jesus words when He answered the question as to what is the greatest commandment and is written for us in Matthew 22:37-39, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest command. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
This command to love one another is a reflection of our love for God by putting into action love for others even when they don't "deserve" it. For God loves us and we don't deserve it; God gave up His Son for our benefit. Surely we can show love by helping others with gifts of charity, with helping out, doing something for others. As we said on May 4, it goes beyond a love based on the qualities of the person receiving, it's based on the choice of the person providing the love, or agape' love. If we have strong spiritual health, we'll have a Godly reaction to the poor, and meet the challenge that John gives to express our love in practical terms.
Blessings to all
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