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...