Written by: Mimi McKinnis
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
— John 15:12-13 (NIV)
Cinderella and Prince Charming. Anne and Gilbert. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Relationship goals, am I right? But most stories of modern relationships aren’t told for generations. Afterall, nowadays we’re surrounded by connections to other people every single day—Friends, classmates, acquaintances, families, people we chat with, “likes” we acquire and comments we leave and share. Last month we focused on three simple commands: Rejoice in hope. Be patient in tribulations. Be constant in prayer. This month, as we progress further into the school year dance session, we also progress further into His word with a new word or our own: Relationship.
A relationship is never a one-way street. The definition of the word itself centers around a connection between something and something else. Without that something else, there is nothing to relate to. It takes two, always. Consistent mutual contribution. Sounds like a lot, right? So how do we maintain the connections in our lives? How can we pour into our relationships with friends, families, classmates and others in a Biblical way? Lucky for us, the perfect example has already been demonstrated for us. Not in movies or books (sorry, Gilbert), but through Him.
Look at verse 12 in this month’s memory verse: “Love each other as I have loved you.” Matthew 9:36 tells us “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” God’s love sees us with compassion. John 13:3-5 recalls when Jesus rose from the table, took off His outer clothing, wrapped a towel around His waist and washed the feet of His disciples. His love serves. John 11:43-44 details His voice calling out for Lazurus to come forth, free from earthly death. His love speaks life.
So how can we live by that example? He so loved the world that he sent His son to die for it, but it’s not like the opportunity to be crucified for the ones you love comes around often these days. Yes, it’s the ultimate act of love to lay down your life for another, as the next verse in this month’s scripture focus says. But it isn’t just that He died for our sins—He rose for our salvation, and the act of resurrection gave us the grace to follow Him in the path of love.
So day-to-day, maybe it’s not about laying down your physical life. Maybe it’s laying down your anger or disappointment, your sinful nature, your stubbornness and pride or any other hatefulness that’s standing in the way of maintaining Godly relationships. Maybe it’s laying down your judgement to see others with compassion. Maybe it’s laying down your self interests to serve others in love. Maybe it’s laying down your fear or gossiping nature to speak life into those around you.
Keeping last month’s focus in mind, let’s challenge ourselves to retain September’s growth as we dive further this month. Let’s pour into our relationship with Christ knowing that our joy in His constant hope, patience and trust in His plan and diligent prayer will only strengthen our connection to Him. And through a strong relationship with Him, we can extend His love and example to our relationships in the studio and beyond.