John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Everyday we are faced with situations where we may not agree with someone. We may disagree with co-workers, friends, or family about any number of things. It is during these times, that I remember what Jesus tells us in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples. . .”
Being a disciple of Christ, we acknowledge each and everyone for exactly who they are. We are called to love those who look, act, and think differently; to love each and everyone of God’s creation, no matter the differences.
While it is sometimes hard to love those with whom we may disagree, we must try to remember that we are human and share many common experiences. We laugh, love, cry, smile, lose loved ones and welcome newborns. These shared emotions and experiences are many of the things that make us human. Even in times of division, we need to remember these similarities, because ultimately our goal as Christians is to mirror Christ’s love towards one another.
So what does this mean for us today? It means we should respect everyone for who he or she is. It means, while we may not agree with someone, we respect them enough to let them share their thoughts. It means, we continue in Christ’s teaching to love each and everyone we are blessed to meet in our lives.