Little tabernacles
I adore this sweet picture of my girl with her little friends. Watching her develop friendships has been such a joy. I love how God crafted her heart and is nurturing a deep love for people within her.
Radical Love: Living the Command of Christ
"We love because He first loved us." — 1 John 4:19
We can love because He has loved.
Our capacity to love others is rooted in God’s immense love for us. This divine love compels us to live out Jesus’ command in John 13:34-35:
"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. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
What Makes This Command New?
At first glance, Jesus’ command might seem familiar—after all, the Old Testament calls us to love God and our neighbors (Deuteronomy 6, Leviticus 19). So, what makes Jesus’ commandment “new”?
Theologian Warren Wiersbe explains that the “newness” isn’t in the timing but in the experience. Through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, love takes on a radical power, transcending ordinary human efforts. This love is fresh and revitalized, giving us the ability to love in ways we never could on our own.
Living Out This Radical Love
So, how do we embody this powerful, transformative love in our daily lives?
First: Cultivate a Relationship with Jesus
If you don’t know Jesus personally, I’m glad you’re here. He is the source of love, and through Him, love becomes possible. I’d love to talk with you about how much He adores you.
Second: Spend Time with Jesus and Others
As we spend time with Jesus, He transforms us, expanding our capacity to love and be loved. The more we love each other, the more we are drawn back to the cross, deepening our love for Him. This cycle of love—loving Jesus, loving others—strengthens our walk with Christ and builds community. It’s sanctification in action, iron sharpening iron.
We Are "Little Tabernacles"
Jen Wilkin shares a striking image: In the Old Testament, the tabernacle was a sacred place where God dwelled among His people. Romans 8:9 tells us that, today, we are the temple of God, the spirit dwells in US. With the gift of the Holy Spirit, we carry God’s presence wherever we go. When we love well, we bring His transformative presence to those around us.
The Weight of Glory
C.S. Lewis, in The Weight of Glory, reminds us that every person we encounter is an eternal being:
"There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal."
Our actions and love (or lack thereof) can influence whether others experience eternity with God or without Him. God has given us each other as gifts, to walk together in community and enjoy Him forever.
Commit to Radical Love
Let’s live in a way that brings as many people as possible into eternity with us. Commit to loving fully, forgiving freely, and being fueled by the Spirit. Let’s push each other toward an eternity we can enjoy together.
Glad to be in this journey with you!
April
