"This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.” // John 15:12-13
Why is it so hard to love one another?
In today’s Gospel, God calls us to love one another as He loves us. How do I do that, God?
How do I love someone who has intentionally wounded me? I look to Your example and see such an incredible love for those who mocked You, spat upon You, despised and envied You, whipped and beat You, and hung You on a cross to die. You were praying for them on the Cross just the same as for the ones who followed and adored you.
Your zeal for every soul you create is beyond what I believe my human heart can hold. Oh, to have a heart so open to love that Your love increases even when I walk away from You! To have a heart that never hardens or builds up walls!
Your heart does not hate; it only loves.
Your heart does not envy; it celebrates individual giftedness generously.
Your heart does not see our sin as our identity; it only sees our sin as a way home through Your mercy and forgiveness.
Your heart does not hold anger against a repentant sinner, but offers peace, mercy, and compassion.
But your heart does know how to break, but it doesn’t break the way mine does. My heart breaks, and I put up walls of self-protection. Your heart breaks, and You open it wider, so we have a new way to find ourselves in Your merciful arms.
As I write this devotional, the bridge of Hosanna by the band Hillsong echoes in my mind and heart:
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like You have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks yours
Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity
Hosanna, break my heart for what breaks Yours. This is how I will be able to love others. This is how I will learn to love as You love.
Tricia Tembreull is a seasoned ministry professional dedicated to guiding young hearts toward spiritual growth, healing, and the love of Christ. With a background in youth and young adult ministry, Tricia has served in various roles, including as a youth minister, college campus ministry at USC Caruso Catholic Center, and Regional Director for Life Teen International. As a devotions writer for Blessed Is She, she shares scripture reflections that resonate deeply with women of faith. Recognized as a compelling Catholic speaker, Tricia challenges audiences to embrace their faith with authenticity. Additionally, as a spiritual director, she provides compassionate support to those seeking deeper connections with God. Currently serving as the Coordinator of Young Adult Ministry and Evangelization for the Diocese of Orange, Tricia continues to inspire young adults to embrace their faith journey with zeal and purpose, embodying a commitment to spreading the gospel while fostering communities of love.
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