Heidi Larson

John 15:12

Friday, March 16

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." – John 15:12

On dark winter evenings, I light an oil lamp in the center of our kitchen table before our supper. To me, love is like that flame, burning warm and bright in a world that is cold and dark. It draws us in, to a place that is warm and nourishing, where we can laugh and listen to each other without judgment. Mother Teresa compares loving to an oil lamp like this:

"What we need is to love without getting tired. How does a lamp burn? Through the continuous input of small drops of oil. What are these drops of oil in our lamps? They are the small things of daily life: faithfulness, small words of kindness, a thought for others, our way of being silent, of looking, of speaking and of acting. Do not look for Jesus away from yourselves. He is not out there; He is in you. Keep your lamp burning, and you will recognize Him." (No Greater Love)

We love so many things...our homes, our cars, our phones, our favorite restaurants, but is that the kind of love Jesus is talking about? I don't think so. When He says love, I think He really means serving, caring, helping, listening, encouraging, accepting and forgiving each other.

Questions for reflection:

• In what small ways do you show love for others?
• What prevents you from showing love to others like you would like to?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, dwell in us so that our love may shine bright, like a lamp burning on a cold, dark evening. Fill our hearts with the oil of your love, so that while we are still living, we can be a light to others, showing love through small and ordinary acts of kindness and generosity. Amen