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No video today. Just a brief thought.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John 13:34-35 (ESV)

The world is dark. Sometimes feels like it's growing darker.

Be light.

Don't over-complicate this.

Jesus loved people. All sorts of people. Of different skin colors. Different economic classes. Different political groups. Different organizational affiliations.

It appears that when Jesus looked around Himself, He didn't identify people by these things. He simply saw people who were lost, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). Because of this...

He cared for them

He had compassion on them

He loved them

He died for them

He showed sacrificial love for those that disagreed with Him, that hated Him, that killed Him.

By the way, that's you and me.

Every time I have disobeyed God, I have said, "My way is better than Yours."

Every time I have refused correction, I have screamed, "I hate you!" like a stubborn teenager.

Every time I sin against God, I have driven the nails into Jesus' hands and feet.

And yet, Jesus loved. He cried out on our behalf, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 NASB)

That's love. And that's the love followers of Jesus are called to.

Be light.

"Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." (James 1:19 NIV)

Care.

Show compassion.

Love like Jesus loved.

Be light.