Good morning!
Jesus’ command to love and His emphasis on the subject (John 13: 34,35; 15: 12,13,17) continue to challenge and encourage me. Recently, I read something from Ellen White which drove the point home. I quote her below, and request you to read a few times what she wrote to catch the impact of her take on Jesus’ command to love.
“Love is the basis of godliness. Whatever the profession, no man has pure love to God unless he has unselfish love for his brother. But we can never come into possession of this spirit by trying to love others. What is needed is the love of Christ in the heart. When self is merged in Christ, love springs forth spontaneously. The completeness of Christian character is attained when the impulse to help and bless others springs constantly from within – when the sunshine of heaven fills the heart and is revealed in the countenance.
No distinction on account of nationality, race, or caste is recognized by God. All men are of one family by creation, and all are one through redemption. Christ came to demolish every wall of partition, to throw open every compartment of the temple, so that every soul may have free access to God. His love is so broad, so deep, so full, that it penetrates everywhere. It lifts out of Satan’s circle the poor souls who have been deluded by his deceptions. It places them within reach of the throne of God, the throne encircled by the rain of promise. In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond or free. All are brought nigh by His precious blood.” (Christ Object Lessons, pp. 382-386) —
Jeba Moses