Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35

Jesus taught humility when He washed the feet of His disciples and demonstrated the love of His faithfulness. In the midst of knowing He would die; He taught a lesson of compassion and showed His disciples how to serve one another with love. He humbled hearts as a lowly servant and longs for us to do the same; reflecting the compassion of His heart.

Many have experienced the amazing love of God and understand we are to love one another. But it’s sad when life events allow this to be forgotten. When we share opinions of what we believe, sometimes we don’t deliver messages with love. We neglect to pray before we communicate words that are hurtful.

When harsh words speak louder than truth, it is difficult to reach those who need to know the love of God. Ephesians 4:15 NLT says, instead we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

Lives will be changed if “we become the bridge in pursing God’s heart.” But how can we do this? We must recognize what we speak DOES make a difference. God will provide words to share, if we pray for His guiding and listen to the tugging of our hearts. We must strive to continue to love one another and carefully choose words we speak, even when we don’t see “eye to eye”. A soft response will turn away wrath but a harsh word will stir up anger. Proverbs 15: NIV

Our respect for others will change the lives of those who need to know the love of Jesus. Words will encourage or squelch needed calm. They will lift us closer to Christ or move us far away. We must strive to show truth in love as we share our every thought. If we ready ourselves to reflect the love of God, every word we speak will bring glory to His name.

Dear God, thank you for the power of Your presence which dwells in us. Give us wisdom to know how to communicate words of truth. Help us be messengers of Your peace, even when we don’t agree with others. Arm us with everything we need to serve You with a humbled heart. Thank you for bringing calm in the chaos as we continue to trust. Help us focus on what is good, so we will choose our words wisely and graciously speak to those who will see the love of Jesus. Please help us speak in grace. Thank you, Lord. Thank you. Amen