Be a True Disciple, Share Love for One Another!

Written by Gwyn Beer
Canada West Mission Centre Co-President

John 13:34-35 NRSV
34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’

​We have just gone through Easter.  Three days in the tomb and he rose up from the dead.  He took away my sin.   God sent his son to us through Mary who with Joseph, raised the baby Jesus to manhood.  Jesus began preaching and teaching about God’s love for us.  He gathered disciples to help spread his father’s love to all.  
 
Our small church has plain glass windows.  For the Easter season, the church had cellophane-stained windows, a gift from a talented member made over 20 years ago.  Through her talent, she shared her love as a disciple.  
 
There are small things that people do almost automatically that are small offerings of LOVE.
 
During this Easter season, my niece Joy has been in hospital.   There have been so many expressions of love shared to Joy, her wife Haley and the family that may seem small but are so truly large. In this techno world, texts have come from all over.  Cellphones have been placed by her head to hear words of love and encouragement from family in Australia, New Zealand and England.  Food and mineral water has been provided to the family waiting for their chance to be in the ICU holding her hand.  A ride to the hospital, a couch to rest on, a shoulder to lean on.  Someone to check on and look after the family cats.  All acts of LOVE.
 
Today, I took down our cellophane-stained windows and the one of Jesus Christ on the cross was the last one.  I was overwhelmed by the act of LOVE done for me. 
 
I need to be a true disciple, I need to share LOVE for one another.