Written by Colette Fabry
(14) We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. (15) Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
(16) Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (17) But whoso hath the worlds good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (23) And this is the commandment , That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
I Jn 3:14-17, 23
I was running on a scorching hot, humid day. Another runner came up behind me, passed me, and ran so fast that I quickly lost sight of him. A few minutes later I saw he had turned around and was coming towards me. He came back because he was concerned that I had no water. He pulled out his water bottle and offered it to me. Then this 25-year-old stranger, half my age, ran with me for the next mile. He told me about his life and how he was speed training for an upcoming race. How kind he was to go out of his way and run at a snail’s pace to ensure that I was ok!
What if we loved one another like this?
I’m not a very good runner, but I got to the starting line of my first half marathon. So many anxious thoughts sped through my mind. “I don’t belong in this race. I don’t even like the word race.” “The others are real runners, and I am NOT.” Right then my son Jake came up beside me. He hadn’t registered, nor had he trained. He said that he decided to run with me because he wanted to make sure I finished well. He could have run the race twice in the time that I did, but he stayed with me each step. When I sped up, he did too. When I didn’t think I could go another step, he encouraged me and insisted that I could. Thirteen miles later, I crossed the finish line. He lifted my arm high and said, “You did it, Mom!”
What if we loved one another like this?
Like John, I am weary of the hatred I see in this world, even in churches and families. It’s certainly not of God and it should never happen among believers. Thinking of the story of Rachel and Leah, these sisters spent their whole adult lives hating one another and modeling that hatred to their children. What if they had given one another “water” and encouraged one another by running alongside each other in their race? Oh how different their story and those of their children would have been for all generations and the glory of God!
I repeat what John said, Love one another! It’s not even a choice- it’s a commandment!
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