Do you ever think about what it means to love other people? I’m not talking so much about romance here, but more of a practical, day-to-day concern for the wellbeing of others. The Bible talks a lot about it. Jesus said that’s how the world would know people are his disciples: if they love one another. The epistles of John talk a lot about it too: God is love; we are to love our brothers. Love is a powerful thing.

The Bible says we know love because God sent Jesus to die for our sins. This was so that we could be redeemed from evil and become children of God. So we could live and be forgiven. As N.T. Wright says, he allowed evil to overtake him so that it could run its course on him and thus have no more power. This man, the historical Jesus, changed the world. Via love. His way of ushering in the kingdom of God was via forgiving the worst of all sinners (the Romans who crucified God!, prostitutes, adulterers, tax collectors), healing people, reaffirming people.

What do we, here and now, do to love our brothers? How do we lay down our lives for them? I think it may be more straightforward than we imagine. Kindness comes to mind. What we say, the names we call people, what we say to and about them, matters. Love is not selfish (1 Corinthians 13). I think this means we should share (1 John 3:17). We should share our paychecks, our material goods: food, clothing, etc. God forgiving us is an act of love. I imagine we should forgive others. The Bible’s pretty clear on this. Release others from the grudge you could hold.

Do to others what you’d have them do to you (Matthew 7:12). Think about that in regard to your job. I know if I were a sick person needing a nurse or a primary care doctor, I’d hope that professional is competent, kind, not patronizing or dismissive, not impatient. I want her to do the right thing (this goes back to competence). Mechanics: how would you want someone to look your car over? Flippantly or meticulously, as if your child would be the driver of the car you’re working on? Chefs: wouldn’t you want a tasty, nutritious, hot meal made with clean hands? Roofers: Don’t you want something solid over your head during the storm? Think about the Golden Rule in your home too. How you treat your spouse, your kids, your pets even. Do for them what you’d want done for you: change the sheets, clean up your mess, cuddle when you’re tired.

The times I’ve felt most loved in my life: when someone has taken the time to genuinely listen to me. When people say thank you. When I’ve received excellent customer service. When I’ve been pardoned despite something dumb I’ve said or done – when people are quick to forget my mistakes. When people have been patient with me. When my husband cleans the house and cooks dinner for me after a long day.

And here’s the kicker: Jesus calls us to do this when others aren’t so kind. When the love is not reciprocated. When the person you’re loving/serving has no way to repay you. When instead people are cruel, rude, impatient, unforgiving, selfish, inconsiderate. We’re supposed to take the high road. I don’t mean be a doormat. Jesus also told the truth. Love is what makes the world a better place. It makes us new too. It’s the mark of God. And I don’t think we can take the high road – love – without Jesus. ~