Just Love

Some children are often described as affectionate because they express their fondness and tenderness with ... hugs and kisses! Unfortunately, that "affectionate" stage often disappears as they leave adolescence. We rarely consider our spiritual affections yet we should! Speaking to disciples of Jesus, we are told in Romans 12:10 to "love one another with brotherly affection." That "brotherly affection" is not a phase or a stage of our spiritual lives; no, it finds its roots in something Jesus said: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35, ESV). It's that as-I-have-you kind of affection AND the term-limits are from eternity past, here and now and forevermore. It has nothing to do with how pleasant, lovely, admirable, easy a person is to love. Remember, God showed His love for us while we were still sinners - Jesus even died for us (Romans 5:8). It's an ongoing, no-excuse kind of love ... just love!