Love Others Like You Love Yourself

 

You do well when you complete the Royal Rule of the Scriptures: 

"Love others as you love yourself." 

James 2:8 

We all know how to love and dote on ourselves. But if we want to fulfill God's grand plan for our lives, we need to follow the Royal Rule and consider the needs of others. We need to give generously (not just when we deem someone worthy). We need to forgive (even when we were clearly wronged). We need to avoid gossip and slander (speaking kindly even to the mean-spirited). So who needs your love today? 

Forgiveness

Today, we read the familiar story of Peter’s denial. Each time he is asked whether he knew Jesus, Peter grows more vehement in his rejection of him. 

Peter who had earlier professed that he would lay down his life for Jesus is now scared off by a servant girl.

When the rooster crows, Peter remembers – the conviction in his heart is immediate. He weeps bitterly.

While the passage doesn’t mention it, Peter becomes the first great voice of the gospel. 

Underneath his mistake were the arms of Jesus. Peter allowed the conviction of sin to strike him and he allowed the forgiveness of sin to lift him up again.

I think of the verse: though he stumble, he will not fall for the Lord upholds him with his hand (Psalm 37: 24). That was Peter. And that was his faithful God.

Our smallest goof-ups and blunders and our biggest, darkest sin – none of it is beyond God’s redemption.

Bringing It Home

Do I sometimes feel like God can’t forgive me of a certain sin? Do I feel like even if God forgives me, I can’t forgive myself? What if God is telling me that the slate is wiped clean and that he has put a new spirit within me?

Lean In 

Father God, Thank you for your grace and forgiveness. I don’t deserve the second, third, sometimes hundredth chance you give me. You are faithful and you lift me out from the ashes and put a new song on my lips. Amen