Simple Life

I like it when things are simplified, made easier to follow.

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. - John 13:34-35

Just before Jesus left his friends to be crucified, he gave them a commandment to guide their lives, one that will let the world know what they believe.

Love one another.

It seems so simple, doesn't it?  

When you love someone, you don't just buy them presents and do things for them.  You desire to be with them, through good times and bad.

You support them and change your plans for them.  You sit with them when they are sad or sick and you look for ways to help make the difficult times better.

When you love someone, you want them to be independent, capable and self-sufficient.  You don't want them to be dependent on you or anyone, so they will not be taken advantage of.

We welcome those we love into our hearts and we hold them there, regardless of what they do or don't do.  We love them unconditionally, and sometimes that hurts.

This is no simple commandment Jesus gave his disciples.  

So, how are we to follow it?

We may not know how to do this in a broad sense, and I think that is the point.

We are to use this commandment as a guide in all the small things, asking ourselves if what we are about to do or say is born in love for the other person.

If it is, we are probably on the right path.

More to come...