Actively Loving Our Neighbors

Staring out my kitchen window in a daze, I wonder why I feel so stagnant and stuck; a general malaise, if you will, fills my heart. My joy is not complete.

I know Jesus’ words from today’s Gospel (John 15:9-17) are true, that God the Father’s love for me is so overwhelming, whole, and all encompassing that my life should be a reflection of that. But there are days, months, even seasons where it’s difficult to feel this truth.

As Jesus says, to remain in the love of God, we need to keep His commandments. I know for me that doesn’t simply mean avoiding mortal sin, but actively loving my neighbor.

I struggle with this on a daily basis, and maybe you do too. I speak with impatience and shortness to my children when they simply are asking for direction or love. I don’t extend ready forgiveness to my husband over small annoyances or miscommunications. I harbor ill-will towards that uninformed stranger on the internet. I seethe with frustration over things I can’t change in others, because if only they would change I could love them more easily!

I think often that if I want to feel and experience God’s love in a more full way that the first step to getting there is loving others more, or just better.

Keeping the commandments is challenging, but truly loving our neighbor with our own open hearts is what makes us holy, what will make our joy complete.

Is there one way you can love someone in your life better today? Small acts of service and words of encouragement are just some simple ways to express our love to those we care about most, and to those whom we need to care about more.

Love better today. // Christy IsingerClick to tweet

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Lord, fill me with Your love so I can share it more fully.