But the Greatest is Love

But the Greatest is Love
 
Death was approaching. His friends were confused. The Master was concerned. This evening was significant. A ceremonial meal has been arranged. The Master took on the role of a servant. He lovingly washed His friend’s dusty feet. He blessed and served the special meal. He shared his heart out to them in his farewell message. Some of them unconscious of the solemnity of the occasion were arguing with one another as to who will be the greatest? The master knew that one of them will betray him, another deny him and the rest will all run away. The only message he wanted to leave behind before taking up the cross was the commandment to love one another. He told them that the world will know that they are his friends only if they love one another. (John 13:35) He not only gave the commandment but set an example since the highest standard of love was for one to lay down his life for his friends. The master laid down His life for His friends and showed how much he loved them. He wanted his friends to love one another the same way that he loved them. This is the only way our master, Jesus Christ wanted the world to recognize us that we are His friends and followers.

I have been shocked and surprised many times to see how Christian workers and leaders refuse to love and forgive their own colleagues. It always seemed easier to love people on the streets whom they never knew personally than love those who worked along with them everyday. One of the startling facts in a research said that most attrition in Christian organizations was due to problems in inter-personal relationships.

More people will know and experience the love of Jesus Christ if they see us sharing that love within our family, extended family, church and within our own faith communities. We will have more opportunities to talk about our Master Jesus Christ, when people around us watch us laying down our lives for one another in our every day situation and want to know more. Member care simply means we become obedient to the last commandment of Jesus to love one another. May we personally experience the love of our master and share that love with one another! John Amalraj
 
©2007, INFOCUS, Interserve India
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