Rumination Journal

The following is part 12 of  “ Love that Binds ”:   “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” —John 13:35   The Need for Community Human beings are designed for community. From the earliest chapters of Genesis, we see that God created us to live in relationship with one another, reflecting His triune nature. A loving community provides support, encouragement, and a tangible expression of God’s presence in our lives. Jesus emphasized the importance of community when He gave His disciples a new commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another” (John 13:34). This call to love is not only a personal mandate but also the foundation for building relationships that glorify God.   The Early Church: A Model of Loving Community The early church provides a powerful example of what a loving community looks like. In Acts 2:42-47, believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, bre...

The following is part 11 of  “ Love that Binds ”: I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. —Psalm 139:14   The Importance of Self-Love When Jesus commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), He assumes that we have a healthy love for ourselves. However, self-love is often misunderstood. It is not about selfishness or pride but about recognizing our value as individuals created and loved by God. Loving yourself in light of God’s love is an act of worship. It means seeing yourself as He sees you: fearfully and wonderfully made, a precious child of the King, redeemed by His grace. When you embrace this truth, you can love others more authentically and wholeheartedly.   Rooted in God’s Love   True self-love begins with understanding that your worth comes from God, not from your accomplishments, appearance, or the opinions of others. His love for you is unconditional an...

  The following is part 10 of  “ Love that Binds ”: Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. —Romans 12:17-18   The Challenge of Conflict Conflict is an inevitable part of life. Whether in our relationships, communities, or workplaces, disagreements and misunderstandings can arise, threatening to disrupt harmony. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to respond to conflict with love, humility, and a desire for peace. The world often encourages retaliation, but Scripture teaches a different path—one that seeks reconciliation and reflects the love of God. Loving others in the midst of conflict requires courage and grace, but it has the power to transform hearts and restore relationships. Jesus’ Example in Conflict Jesus faced conflict throughout His ministry, from confrontations with religious leaders to betrayal by those closest to Him. Y...

The following is part 9 of  “ Love that Binds ”: There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. —1 John 4:18   The Obstacles to Loving Others Loving others, as Jesus commanded, is not always easy. Fear, prejudice, anger, and past hurts can create barriers that prevent us from expressing the fullness of God’s love. These obstacles, if left unaddressed, can limit our ability to form meaningful connections and hinder our spiritual growth.  Overcoming these barriers requires us to confront them honestly and rely on God’s strength. By examining the obstacles that hold us back, we can begin to cultivate a love that reflects the heart of Christ. Fear: The Opposite of Love Fear is one of the most significant barriers to love. Fear of rejection, fear of being hurt, or fear of the unknown can cause us to hold back from loving others fully. However, Scripture reminds us t...

  The following is part 8 of  “ Love that Binds ”: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:44-45 A Radical Command Loving our enemies is one of the most challenging and transformative teachings of Jesus. It defies human logic and cultural norms, calling us to respond to hatred with love and to opposition with grace. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus elevates the standard of love, challenging His followers to embody the selfless love of God, who “causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good” (Matthew 5:45). This command is not about condoning wrongdoing or ignoring justice. Instead, it is about choosing to reflect God’s character, even in the face of hostility. Loving our enemies reveals the transformative power of God’s love in a broken world. Jesus’ Example of Loving Enemies Jesus did not just teach this principle—He lived it. He forgave those who mocked and crucified Him, prayi...

  The following is part 7 of  “ Love that Binds ”:   Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. —Ephesians 4:32   The Power of Forgiveness Forgiveness is one of the most profound expressions of love. It is a gift that releases both the one who forgives and the one who is forgiven. Rooted in God’s grace, forgiveness allows us to reflect His character and build bridges of reconciliation in a broken world. In forgiving others, we mirror the mercy we have received from God. Jesus taught this truth in the Lord’s Prayer, saying, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). Our willingness to forgive is both a response to God’s forgiveness and an act of love that heals relationships and honors Him.   Jesus’ Example of Forgiveness The life and ministry of Jesus are marked by acts of forgiveness. He forgave sinners, welcomed outcasts, and even forgave those who crucifie...

  The following is part 6 of  “ Love that Binds ”:     “Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.” —1 John 3:18 The Call to Active Love Love is more than a feeling or a spoken affirmation—it is an action. Throughout Scripture, love is demonstrated in tangible ways, from God’s provision for His people to Jesus’ acts of healing, teaching, and sacrifice. The Apostle John’s exhortation reminds us that true love must be evident in our actions, rooted in sincerity and truth. Loving through action means stepping beyond good intentions. It involves actively seeking the good of others, meeting their needs, and reflecting God’s love in every interaction. It is in these moments of action that love becomes visible and transformative.   Jesus as the Ultimate Example Jesus embodied love in action. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, comforted the grieving, and extended grace to the outcast. His ministry was defined by comp...

The following is part 5 of  “ Love that Binds ”:     “But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” —Luke 10:29   The Question That Revealed a Kingdom Truth When an expert in the law asked Jesus to define the greatest commandment, he received a profound answer: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. However, he followed up with a question: “Who is my neighbor?” In response, Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), a story that shattered cultural and social boundaries. Through this parable, Jesus redefined the concept of a neighbor, challenging His listeners to see others through the lens of compassion rather than convenience.   The Parable of the Good Samaritan In the story, a man is attacked by robbers and left for dead on the road. Both a priest and a Levite—a religious leader and a temple assistant—pass by without helping. However, a Samaritan, someone despised by the Jewish audience Je...

The following is part 4 of  “ Love that Binds ”:   We love because He first loved us. —1 John 4:19     The Source of Our Love   Loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind begins with trusting in His love for us. The Bible is clear: our ability to love comes directly from God’s love. Before we ever thought to seek Him, God sought us. Before we could respond to Him, He lavished His love on us.  The love of God is not conditional, fleeting, or limited. It is steadfast, eternal, and boundless. Romans 8:38-39 reassures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. This truth is the foundation of our faith and the wellspring of our love for Him.    Why Trusting God’s Love Matters   To love God fully, we must first believe in His unwavering love for us. Trusting His love means embracing the truth that He values, cares for, and delights in us—not because of anything we have done, but because of who...