My children and I have started a new daily practice. Every night at bedtime, we gather colored pencils and light a candle. Asking God to light our way, we get out our journals and draw or write answers to two questions: When did I show love today? and When did I withhold love today?
Loving our neighbors has been an important part of the Christian life from the beginning (2 John 1:5). Thats what John writes in his second letter to his congregation, asking them to love one another in obedience to God (2 John 1:56). Love is one of Johns favorite topics throughout his letters. He says that practicing real love is one way to know that we belong to the truth, that were living in Gods presence (1 John 3:1819). When my kids and I reflect, we find that in our lives love takes shape in simple actions: sharing an umbrella, encouraging someone who is sad, or cooking a favorite meal. The moments when were withholding love are equally practical: we gossip, refuse to share, or satisfy our own desires without thinking of others needs.
Paying attention each night helps us be more aware each day, more tuned in to what the Spirit might be showing us as we walk through our lives. With the Spirits help, were learning to walk in love (2 John 1:6).
INSIGHT
Love is a prominent theme in the apostle Johns writings. In todays reading (2 John 1:16) John writes: It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us (v. 4). Just as caring parents delight in the development of the gifts and character of their children, John had a fathers pride in those who walked in love. It is interesting to contemplate what John means by walk in love (v. 6). The Greek word translated walk can also mean a consistency one exhibits in speech, attitudes, and behavior. Its clear that were being told to make sure the words we say, the attitudes we have toward others, and our general behavior be characterized by sensitivity and generosity. Of course, the ultimate example of love is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (1 John 4:10). We love others because Christ first loved us.