Turning Talking into Walking
The Hallmark of our Walk

Scripture Reading:  1 John 2:7-11

Key Verse: 1 John 2:10

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him.

Of course the New Testament is full of the different teachings of Jesus and all are important, but the Apostle John, after writing about obeying Jesus’ commands, decides to highlight one particular command.  It is truly the hallmark of what our walk must be characterized by: loving all people!  Again, John is blunt:  “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness” (1 John 2:9).

            Jesus was asked directly at one point in His earthly ministry: What is the greatest command of God?  Jesus responded without hesitation: Love God with all your heart, mind and soul!  Jesus added more to the answer than was asked: And, Jesus said, the second greatest command is to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:38-39).

            These commands demand our attention!  We should continually examine our love for God and people.  We should be extremely concerned when we sense a leveling off of our love for either at any point!  How are you doing in this area of loving people?  Are you growing in your patience with them when they disappoint you?  Are you sensing a quicker response of forgiveness in your soul when people hurt you?  Is there evidence in your daily walk of growing compassion for the lost, as well as the least in our society?

Father, please help me grow in my love for the people I encounter every day!  May I treat them as if they were Jesus!  I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.