‘Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.’ Matthew 21:43
‘A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ John 13:34-35
Comment
Sometimes I’m so distracted by busyness and so many other things. I need to stop and take a reality check. Who am I? What am I doing? Why?
We’re the people called to produce the fruit. The fruit comes in the form of changed lives. Loving one another is clearly a command but it’s also so good for us. It’s a pre-requisite to intimacy and unity in our marriages and it’s the means by which others will know that we are disciples of Jesus. Loving one another leads to fruit.
Unconditional, unselfish, other focused, action based love.
Prayer (as a couple)
Dear Lord, I want to be fruitful for you. Thank you for ___ (partner). I’m sorry that I get so distracted; sometimes I forget who I am! Help me to love both you and ___ (partner) in the way that you love me; actively, unconditionally and unselfishly. Please pour your love into my heart so that I can love … your way, for the sake of our marriage, and so that others will know that I am your follower. Amen
Prayer (for others)
Dear Lord, we pray for ___ and ___. Please help them to deal with life’s distractions and to love each other in a way that pleases you and is visible to those around them. Amen
Final Quote
Love is to be our purpose; active, unconditional, unselfish love