John 13:34 — “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.”

I pray as you have read the blog this week, you have taken a step back to examine yourself. I pray God has given you some new perspectives. I have shared with you photos taken from my airplane window. I am still not very comfortable with flying. I become rather anxious in the moments leading up to take-off and I calm myself by praying. Once in the air, God always reveals to me the beauty of the world below. Today’s photo was taken as I traveled up the east coast. What a beautiful perspective!

This week during your self-examination did God reveal to you times you have been judgmental? Did you realize times you have gossiped or spread rumors? Did you confess and ask forgiveness? Now that you are aware of your actions, where do you go from here? Let’s look at God’s word.

Today’s scripture are words Jesus spoke to His disciples on the night of the Last Supper. Jesus was preparing His disciples for His death and for the life they should lead afterwards. The new commandment is to love one another. We are to love those who are loveable and love those who are unloveable. In the context of our week together, how should we respond to someone who is different from us, has different opinions than us, or different life circumstances than us? We should love them. Instead of judging or gossiping, we should love them. How will you respond?

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for my new perspective on my words and actions. Please continue to guide and direct me as I learn to respond with love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.