Why should we love one another?

Jesus’ love for humanity is a central theme in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, where his life and teachings are documented. The depth of this love is highlighted in John 3:16, ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.’ This passage signifies the gravity of His love, a love so profound that it led to the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.

Jesus’ love is unconditional, selfless, and forgiving. As stated in Romans 5:8, ‘But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ This signifies that Jesus’ love is not based on our worthiness but on His infinite mercy and grace.

Jesus not only demonstrated love but also emphasized its importance among His followers. He taught that love should be the foundation of all relationships and interactions. In John 13:34, Jesus says, ‘A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.’

Passing this love to each other aligns us with God’s will and enables us to reflect His character to the world. It fosters unity, understanding, forgiveness, and compassion, which are essential for a harmonious community. Galatians 5:22-23 teaches us that love is a fruit of the Spirit, and demonstrating this love is a sign of living in accordance with the Holy Spirit.

To share this love with one another, we can follow these Biblical principles:

Forgiveness: Ephesians 4:32 says, ‘Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.’ Forgiving others, even when it’s difficult, is a profound way to exhibit Christ’s love.

Service: In Matthew 20:28, Jesus said, ‘Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.’ Serving others selflessly is a practical way to share Jesus’ love.

Generosity: Acts 20:35 reminds us of Jesus’ words, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Being generous, not just with material possessions but also with time, talents, and emotional support, is a way to share love.

Humility: Philippians 2:3-4 instructs us, ‘Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.’ This echoes the humility of Jesus, who, despite being the Son of God, came as a servant.

Patience and Kindness: In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we learn that ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.’ Patience and kindness towards others, even when they aren’t reciprocated, demonstrate a love that mirrors that of Christ.

Acceptance: Romans 15:7 reminds us, ‘Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.’ Accepting others despite their flaws shows Christ’s unconditional love.

Prayer: Praying for one another is a powerful way of showing love. James 5:16 says, ‘Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.’ Prayer shows care and concern and invites God’s intervention in others’ lives.

Truthfulness: Ephesians 4:15 tells us to speak the truth in love. Being honest, yet gentle, can help others grow and shows respect and love for them.

In addition to the above, sharing Jesus’ love helps to promote spiritual growth and maturity. As we embody Christ’s love, we become more like Him and grow in our Christian journey. This is echoed in Ephesians 4:15, ‘Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.’

Furthermore, sharing Jesus’ love is a way of evangelizing and fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). When we show love, we reflect God’s character and can draw others to Him. John 13:35 says, ‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ Our love for one another serves as a testimony of our faith.

The benefits of sharing Jesus’ love extend beyond our immediate relationships and interactions. It can transform societies, breaking barriers of hostility and promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation. It fosters an environment where people feel valued, accepted, and cared for.

Moreover, sharing God’s love is transformative. It does not leave us the same. As we give love, our capacity to receive and understand God’s love also increases. As 1 John 4:19 says, ‘We love because he first loved us.’ The more we share Jesus’ love, the more our hearts align with His, and the more His love can fill and transform us. Sharing Jesus’ love, therefore, is not just a command to obey; it’s an opportunity to experience and share in the very heart of God.

Through the generous help of various supporters and caring individuals, RHMI is making a real difference in Africa. We’re reaching remote parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, giving pastors and church leaders there honest and practical biblical training. The love of Jesus is at the heart of what we do, and it’s touching not only these leaders but their entire communities.

We’re on a mission to transform Africa, and we’re doing it step by step, pastor by pastor. Our focus is on guiding and mentoring a new wave of pastors and church leaders. These dedicated individuals are learning to stay true to God’s teachings in every aspect of their ministry.

Africa holds countless opportunities for us to make a positive impact, and we’re excited about what lies ahead. We have confidence that God is by our side, leading us forward and helping us fulfill our purpose. With His guidance, we’re bringing about meaningful change, and we’re excited to see where this journey takes us.