Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 18th May & for the week ahead:

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

Reflection:

These verses are well-known and inspiration for poems, hymns and artwork in the Christian faith. Many people, even those without faith, know this commandment. But what does it actually mean?

Reflecting on VE Day last week, we remembered those who fought against “the enemy”. This enemy was very real and very frightening, causing distress, panic and death. How could those people be asked to love this person? But that’s exactly what Jesus orders us to do. It’s not a polite suggestion or a small favour, it’s an order. You may struggle to feel love for the person who bullied you in school, or the first love that abandoned you for someone else. But love really sets us free. Families who have had loved ones taken away from them often forgive the murderer.

We may not have such dramatic circumstances, but maybe we can show love through kindness and patience. Having worked in customer service, I noticed that when I held my peace and stayed firm but calm, it’s harder for people to remain angry. Instead of getting impatient when being served at a shop or when driving, show kindness and empathy to others. We can all show love to others. It’s not a special skill we have to learn, it’s part of who we are. Maybe Jesus was onto something after all.

Victoria Bray