Yesterday I shared on the phrase “where there is a will there is a way”. This is a continuation on that post based on a conversation I had later that day.

During a conversation about people’s differences and fears in the church I made this statement,

Love drives out all fear. Love others in their weaknesses as they love us in ours.

I immediately sensed that this statement didn’t come from my heart as much as it had come from God’s heart.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35, NKJV

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love covers a multitude of sins.’ 1 Peter 4:8, NKJV

But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control… Galatians 5:22-23, Amp

In our own strength we could never fully and truly love one another as He has loved us, but He hasn’t asked us to do it by our own strength, but by the empowerment of His Presence within us.

Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6, NKJV

It got me to thinking I wonder how much we are stuck in our own weakness and may not even see them because we are so focused on the weaknesses of others.

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:1-3, NKJV

Perhaps in our judgment and offense towards others we step out of love and find ourselves stuck in the same sins and weaknesses we have struggled with for years. Faith works by love. What happens to our faith when we judge others and are offended?

He didn’t command us to judge. He commanded us to love. It doesn’t mean we don’t have standards and boundaries. It does mean that even while holding to the standard of His Word, we do so in an attitude, a heart full, of love.

I believe His command to love one another was part of the plan to see us all enter His grace, freedom, and empowerment to do His will on this earth as His Body.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing-life forevermore. Psalms 133, NKJV

Love makes a way for the anointing to flow in our lives and in the lives of others. Let us yield to His Presence within and fully, truly love one another.