“If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:15-16
A true Disciple
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
You may have wondered what it takes to be a true disciple. The Lord Jesus makes crystal clear of what is needed for one to be truly His disciple. Jesus said “Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. John 15:13-14
On the same note, the life of Steven is a great example of true love. He exercised love even amidst a crowd of people who hated him and were furiously gnashing their teeth and yelling at the top of their voices against him. Instead of hatred towards those who stoned him, he responded with great love in pleading with the Lord for his enemies saying; “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
We live amidst a world of hatred, enmity and full of malice. So contrary is the nature of God to the worldly nature. He is merciful and gracious; slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will He keep His anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
(Psalm 103: 8-9)
The Lord is calling us to take the stand that Steven took to be a disciple of Jesus. We will no doubt be accused for doing good but be quick to forgive and be slow to get angry and leave the rest to the Lord and we will truly be a disciple of Jesus.
Prayer
Dear Lord I thank you this morning for Your Spirit of Truth which indwells in me. Let Him guide me in the truth so that I may be able to love my neighbor as myself. Amen
Theo & Manju