Before traveling to a certain Asian country on a mission trip, I had to practice holding hands with another man. In that culture, male friends often hold hands. If we wanted to make friends there, we had to hold hands. It seemed weird to us Americans. In many cultures around the world, men are more affectionate with each other, including back in Jesus’ day.
“Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23, King James Version).
The intimacy of this verse is shocking. This happened during the Last Supper. John leaned against Jesus like a recliner. I’m not sure what the Greek for “snuggling” is, but that describes the situation. Even more, John identifies himself as the disciple “whom Jesus loved.” Jesus was John’s BFF (his best friend forever).
It’s no surprise, then, that John is called the apostle of love. In his gospel, John assures us that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16).
In his first epistle, he says, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7). When we begin to grasp Jesus' love for us, when we start to know God personally, he breaks down the hardness in our hearts. Ultimately, God’s redeeming love transforms us from the inside out, and transforms the way we relate to those around us..
At my wedding, someone went around asking each of our guests for one-word descriptions of my wife and me. For me, almost everyone said “creative”. One person said “loving” (thanks, mom!). I still have time to change that ratio around. Like John, I want to be known for love. And, like him, I think the key is leaning on Jesus and inviting him to love through me.
Jesus, thank you for pouring your love into my heart through your Spirit so that I can demonstrate it to others by faith. I don't have to produce it; it is the fruit of your Spirit living in me. Teach me to listen to your Spirit’s nudges and respond to others with your love throughout this day, whatever the circumstances.
Throughout This Day: Invite God to fill you with his love for each person you meet and to guide your thoughts, words, and actions so that you exhude his amazing love.
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Photo Credit: Wolf ARt