Listen to this devotion
God’s love reaches others through you and me.
In the Word
Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus (John 11:5).
Of the Word
God the Father sent Jesus to love sinners. That was His assignment. He did it so well. He loved not only His close friends — Martha, Mary, Lazarus, and His twelve special disciples — but also thieves and “foreigners,” the learned, the poor, the children, the selfish, and the sorrowing. No distinctions. Jesus loved them all.
His love took Him to the cross where He suffered and died to set free all sinners (including you and me). Before He died, Jesus told His friends: “I’m giving you a new commandment: Love each other in the same way that I have loved you” (John 13:34 GW). And St. Paul wrote: Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:1–2).
Love as Jesus loved! That’s our assignment. Love everyone (even those who are tough to love). Love sacrificially. We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). God’s love reaches others through you and me.
Walking with my Lord
Jesus, help me love everyone I encounter today. When it’s hard to love, remind me how much You love me. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 10/30 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked GW are taken from GOD’S WORD, God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society, Grand Rapids, MI. Copyright © 1995.
