“A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
John 13:34 KJV
Many people know of a limited love—a love that only reaches so far. They love their families. They love their friends. They might visit a friend in the hospital. They might house-sit for a friend. They might even bring over a meal if they know a friend is not feeling well. They are dutiful. But what does it mean to truly “love one another” as Christ commanded?
I have been fortunate to see glimpses of such love, a love that requires more than duty but requires the heart of Christ.
Three Glimpses of Love
Jen was going to have her first baby. Sure, she was nervous as any new mother would be. Her husband was by her side, being as supportive as possible. Everyone was made aware that Jen was in labor. Dr. Alexia L., a mutual friend who lived in Virginia, purchased a plane ticket to New York to be by her friend's side. She arrived within hours of Jen arriving at the hospital. She gave her credentials to the hospital staff, asked all the right questions, and never left the hospital until the baby was born. She slept in some uncomfortable chairs for two nights, but her mission was to be there for her friend—“loving one another.”
Another glimpse of the love that requires the heart of Christ was seen when two homeless people asked Esdras for some money. They needed a place to sleep and some food to eat. Esdras had no cash, so he took them to a restaurant and bought them food. Then he took them to his small apartment in Harlem and told them, “Whatever I have, you're welcome to.” They stayed with him for a few days, then thanked him and left.
Last, but not least, a third glimpse of love that requires the heart of Christ is when a young college student was short of funds to attend Oakwood University. She wasn't sure where the money would come from, and she was panicking. One former Oakwood graduate, Earnest, heard of the situation. He took out all the funds in his savings account and donated the sum to that student. He didn't know her, and she didn't know him. He just heard of a need and met it.
These are not your everyday stories. But they are stories that can fuel hope in a suffering world.
Call to Action: Will You Be a Miracle for Someone Today?
We are told in Jeremiah 31:3 that God loves us with everlasting love and that He is drawing us to Himself with lovingkindness. People are hurting all around us. People have needs that they dare not utter because they believe that those expectations may never be met. They learn to suffer in silence. But if we would be more open, more present in each other's lives, not just family and friends, but sensing where there's a need around us and meeting it—then I believe the world would experience the love of God quicker than millions of evangelistic tracts. The real investment is in people. Won't you be a miracle for someone today?
