Oct. 19, 2025 – Relationships Are Matters of the Heart

In a world often divided by differences and discord, there's a powerful message that has the potential to transform not just individual lives, but entire communities and beyond. It's a simple yet profound commandment: "Love one another as I have loved you."

These words, spoken by Jesus to his disciples on the eve of his crucifixion, carry a weight that's both inspiring and daunting. They challenge us to elevate our understanding and practice of love to a divine standard. But what does it truly mean to love as Christ loves, and how can we possibly live up to such a lofty ideal?

At its core, this commandment invites us to recognize that we were created for love. From the very beginning of creation, as illustrated in the Genesis stories, humans were designed to be in relationship with one another. The names given to the first humans - Adam (meaning "humankind") and Eve (meaning "life") - underscore this fundamental truth: we need each other to truly live and to be complete.

Jesus, in his divine wisdom and human experience, understood this need deeply. He knew that relationships are at the heart of our existence, whether they're filled with love or marred by animosity. The key, he taught, lies in whether our hearts are open to love or closed off from it.

Living out this new standard of love set by Christ is no small task. It requires us to focus fully on who Christ is at all moments, striving to make His example the center of all we do. As we do this, our words, thoughts, and actions begin to mirror those of Christ. This transformation doesn't happen overnight; it's a journey of growth and focus, the very essence of what it means to live as a disciple of Christ.

But how does this love manifest in practical terms? It's in the way we care for one another, support each other through difficult times, and create communities of compassion. It's in formal ministries of care and in the countless informal ways we reach out to those around us. When we truly embody Christ's love, it becomes observable - not as an abstract idea, but as a tangible force that shapes our interactions and our community.

This love isn't limited by our individual capabilities or circumstances. Even those facing limitations can operate from a place where Christ's love is at the center of who they are. It's this radiating love that shows the world that change is possible.

In a society marked by division, living from love becomes a powerful catalyst for change. Our worship alone won't change the world, nor will our knowledge. But living from love - that's what has the power to transform our reality. This is why we're called to be an extravagantly generous people, helping the world experience the love of God.

Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." This isn't just about internal church dynamics; it's about presenting an external witness to the world about the power of Christ's love. When we live as extravagantly generous people, others will be drawn to the difference they see in our lives. They'll recognize something good, something they want for themselves.

Imagine the impact when Christians truly love each other as Christ loves us. The world gets to see a beautiful, living witness to love's healing power. It's a testament to changed lives - our own, and those around us. Through this, we inch closer to realizing the Kingdom of God here on earth.

It's an awe-inspiring thought: Christ changed the world with just 12 disciples. How much more can be accomplished with the multitudes of believers today? As we live lives where it's clear that Christ dwells within us, we become part of a movement that can truly change the world.

This vision of extravagant generosity and Christ-like love isn't just a lofty ideal; it's a call to action. It challenges each of us to spend time with God, discerning how we can be part of this great living witness of love to the world. It invites us to examine our hearts, our relationships, and our actions, asking ourselves:

- How can I open my heart more fully to give and receive love?
- In what ways can I mirror Christ's love in my daily interactions?
- How can I contribute to building a community that radiates God's love to the world?

As we ponder these questions and seek to live out this commandment, we embark on a journey of becoming more and more who Christ calls us to be. It's a journey of transformation - for ourselves, our communities, and ultimately, the world around us.

Let us embrace this challenge with open hearts and willing spirits. May we strive each day to love one another as Christ loves us, knowing that in doing so, we're not just following a commandment, but participating in the divine work of healing and transforming our world. As we do, we may find that the love we give returns to us multiplied, creating a beautiful cycle of grace, compassion, and extravagant generosity that truly can change everything.