This is my command: Love each other. (John 15:17)
From time to time there is a discussion online, among friends or within the church about what is most important in life. My response to this question has led me to pondering the place relationships have in life. There is an obvious conclusion to this question – our relationship with God through Jesus Christ is most important.
John in his letter (I John 4:20) suggests that this is not enough. He writes strong words: ‘Those who say, “I love God,” and hate a brother or sister are liars, for those who do not love a brother or sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen’.
These words clarify something essential for me – the loving of the other, whether friend, stranger or enemy is central to our relationship with God. It is a radical Christian ethic and one that is challenging. It is easy to love friends, and those with whom we share a common perspective – but enemies?
Polarities are well established in many settings. The left and right in politics; who has power (wealth) and who has not; the conservative vs liberal in the church, and which cultural view is dominant or correct.
The perspective of Jesus; ‘This is my command: Love each other’ (John 15:15-17), and that of John, challenges us that ‘love of the other is intrinsically linked to the reality of our love of God’, sorts this out.
Relationships come first. We may not agree or like what the other does. The other may cause us distress, fear and angst. The call to love is not a call to liking or agreeing with the other, It is a call to actively want the best for the other. Jesus lived this out and loved his enemies and asks us to do the same.
Rev John Gilmore
NCCA President