We Need Others and They Need Us
My wife’s birthday is September 22. Recently, I asked her where she wanted to go for a weekend. Her reply was wonderful, and I need to share it. She said she wanted to visit her mother who is over 90 years old and lives in Sanford, N.C. Carolyn and her mother talk almost every day, but Carolyn wants to spend as much time with her as possible. When we love someone, there is never enough time for our hearts to love enough.
The Apostle Peter encouraged Jesus’ followers in the early church to “love each other deeply.” (I Peter 4:8) They were suffering under persecution and needed the love of their brothers and sisters in their Christian community more than ever. God had poured His own love into their hearts, and because of this, they would want to love others in return. Their love would be expressed through prayers, gracious hospitality and gentle conversation. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus, God had gifted these people to serve each other for His good purposes. Verse 11 says, “In all things God accomplishes His will through us.”
We need others and they need us. Let’s use whatever time or resources we have received from God to love others – starting now! My question to you this morning is – “How have others loved you well, and what have you received from God that you might use to serve someone today?”
I Peter 4:8 –“Love each other deeply!”
By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Image: Freestocks, courtesy of Unsplash