Recently, in a popular newspaper column, a well-known visual artist was asked: “Is there any belief that you have been liberated from?” She answered that, although she had been raised an atheist and now considers herself an agnostic, when she witnessed the dynamics of love and unity amongst Christians, she began to question her unbelief. She realized that there is something transcendent about love.
What a vivid portrayal of the words Jesus spoke to His followers: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another” (John 13:35). One of the single most powerful means that we have for mirroring God to others is our example of love, kindness, and genuine concern for others. How many times has someone seen Christians showing God’s love and care to others in some palpable way and thought, “Perhaps this God they talk about is true after all, and this Jesus they worship is the real thing.”
As Lucas and Irena convey in their articles, God’s love is powerful, and loving actions can melt even the hardest hearts.
In this world of division and political strife, where trust in our fellow man appears to be at a low ebb, what a powerful witness it can be for people to see Christians supporting someone in need or accompanying a lonely one, abstaining from criticizing and tearing others down, and being kind, considerate, generous, compassionate, and respectful with one another.
Christ emphasized this mutual love that we are to have for each other when He said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). We express God’s love through our actions. So, by loving one another we are letting Jesus speak and shine through us. That’s what Iris and her co-workers did with Willie. Don’t miss this touching story in “A Small Act of Kindness.”
This month, as we celebrate love and friendship, let’s keep this all-encompassing principle in mind and look for opportunities to share love and kindness, whether it be with our spouse, family members, friends and acquaintances, immigrants, or any stranger in need. Happy Valentine’s Day!