Listen:
John Chapter 13 Verses 34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”(John 13:34-35 NKJV)
Reflect:
The new commandment here is “to love one another as. As I have loved you.” is one of famous statements in the Bible(John 10: 34-35). Some people who are not active participants in church know this commandment. Jesus teaches us love by first loving us. Then we are told to love. There are two people we are to love: “yourself” and the “other person”. The other person could be your someone you know well or a stranger.
The other well-known love story in the Bible is of the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus uses this story to explain “who is your neighbor you are to love?” Neighbor is the “other person” We should love everyone, including our enemies. Our enemies maybe unknown to us and have a challenge or a need.
This act, to love others, is a distinguishing mark of the followers of Christ then and will continue to be (John: verses 34-35). “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.” Jesus on his earthly ministry showed us how we should love others by providing for them, praying for them, He brought the word of God to them and helped them connect to God. He equipped them to start ministry and much more.
Lifesprings School of Ministry in Uganda, has changed the path of my life as a leader in ministry and community life. Lifesprings encourages women to love strangers they have never interacted with in life. Lifesprings encourages women worldwide to impact their communities with the love of God. I have actually stepped out in the arena as a minister and leader to help women focus on areas they could improve to impact themselves and the communities around them.
Questions to Ponder:
- How many times have you been given an opportunity to serve others and steer them in the right direction?
- How do you give when you don’t have enough for yourself?
- What has love got to do with justice or equality?
Prayer of Response:
Heavenly Father, teacher us what it means to be your Disciple. Teacher us who is our neighbor and help us to show love and justice to others. Move us from our comfort zones and show us our neighbors.
—Submitted by Margaret Okello
Margaret was born in Uganda, a graduate in education at Makerere University, Uganda and Master’s programme in administration at St John’s University, New York, USA. Margaret’s career started as an educator, then worked with international organizations including United Nations and World Health Organization as an administrator. She worked with diverse races from Africa, America, Australia and Europe.
Margaret is a member of Lifesprings International Organization, and currently together with Sarah Babumba are leading the Lifesprings school of ministry team in Uganda. Margaret is married and a mother of two children. Margaret Coaches people in career guidance as well as ministry and economic empowerment.
Featured photo: Neighbors greeting each other, taken by my Nephew visiting Houston, USA
Great questions!