Loving others as ourselves.
We arrived in town late and as we approached our exit we knew pretty quickly we were going to have to take a detour. The closed ramp and a sky filled with flashing reds and blues made for a solemn return home.
What had already happened was now history. There were plenty of emergency personnel on site and my wife and I were not trained to handle a situation such as that. What could we do?
We’ve all heard the advice to first take care of yourself so you are able to care for others. The driver (my wife) had to place her attention on what was in front of us, not what was happening on the ramp, even though the bright lights may have been distracting.
In that vein, she often prays for those involved when we come across emergency vehicles on their way to or from a scene like the one pictured. In order to do that, she first has to take care of herself so she can then pray for others.
In Matthew 22, a Pharisee asked Jesus, “Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus answered, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
John 13:34-35 tells us, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (NASB)
There is great hope in this, that we spend time with God, getting to know Him and His love (taking care of us), so that we then, can love others.
Have you experienced the love of God through others? I’d love to hear about it.
I do realize that I have had people in my life that loved me unconditionally. They all have a special place in my heart that will never be replaced.
Thanks for the comment John. That’s a nice thing to know, isn’t it? Knowing people love us and are praying for us gives us hope, too.
This is a timely word for today!
Linda, I’m glad this meant something to you. We sometimes have no idea when our words will touch someone, so always caring for ourselves so we can care for others is important. Thanks for reading and commenting.