“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 17:21 ESV).
Jesus spoke these words to his twelve apostles at the Last Supper. As Christians, you and I are to love one another. Christ first loved us, and we imitate him. Let’s look at the three things that interfere with that love.
The Desires of the Flesh Interfere with that Love
In the Bible, we find an explanation of the desires of the flesh: “Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19–21 CSB).
Do you need to apologize and reconcile with someone? #apologize, #reconcile Click To TweetI’m sorry to say I had an outburst of anger against my pastor. I knew better. In time, I apologized and reconciled with him because of this passage from Galatians 5. In love and humility, he made it easy for me to do so.
Do you need to apologize and reconcile with someone?
The Desires of the Eyes
In 1 Peter 5:8, we read a warning: “Stay alert! watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (CSB). Our enemy can devour us through our choice of darkness over the light of Jesus our Savior. That darkness can come from pornography filled with offensive language and a disrespect for women.
As a counselor and coach, I’ve met countless adults whose relationships felt the blow of destruction from pornography and infidelity. And yet, God is faithful. He’s in the miracle business and can bring good from evil.
Will unforgiveness toward the offender block your miracle?
Pride of Life Interferes with That Love
We are to have the same heart for people that Jesus does. That means we love others regardless of race, color, or economic status. That love also crosses denominations, gender, and politics.
If we have committed our lives to God through faith in Christ, we will desire to have a heart like his and love others. Geraldine told me, “My Christian neighbor and I shared a friendship for twenty years. When she discovered I didn’t vote for the same political party she did, she ended our friendship and wouldn’t even acknowledge my presence in the neighborhood.” Geraldine pursed her lips and said, “I’m hurt and miss our friendship, I thought it was real.”
“Let’s pray for reconciliation and for God to meet her needs and yours,” I said.
What can you do this week to make amends with someone and love as Jesus loves you?
Prayer: Lord, I want to love others as you love me. I’m sorry for the times I haven’t. Thank you for your forgiveness and the chance to start a new day with your grace and strength. Amen.
If this doesn’t apply to you, please share it with someone who would appreciate it. Happy Easter.
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Reflections on My Journey from Fickle to Faithful
Copyright © by Yvonne Ortega April 8, 2023
