Young People's Group

WHERE PEOPLE CARE FOR PEOPLE

by Pastor Mitch
July 28, 2013

The Challenge To Love One Another

“Where people care for people” … these five important words are part of Bethany’s motto. They are words crafted by Pastor Charles at 33,000 feet up in a plane on his way back from the United States to Singapore. Based on the truths from Ephesians and the book of Acts, Pastor had envisioned and encapsulated what Bethany should always seek to be … a Church that cares. Through these many years, Bethany has sought to do that. It takes a heart full of love for God to reach out and to care for people in their times of need. It is not an easy thing to cultivate and practise. The Lord Jesus sought to teach His disciples to learn to love and care for one another in a special way. The disciples of Jesus at this point of time still did not care for each other as they should. The Lord Jesus had to command them to do so.

1. Having Tremendous Purpose In Loving One Another

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another … that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples” 
John 13:34, 35

The commandment to love is not new. In the text of Leviticus 19:18, the Lord God spoke of how His people should love their neighbours as themselves. If they recognised God as Lord, then they should love their neighbours. When the Lord Jesus gave the above commandment to His disciples, it was meant to bring a new sense of love towards each other. The word “that” is repeated three times in these two sentences. The emphasis is on having a tremendous sense of purpose in showing love for God’s people. We are meant to fulfil the goal of loving one another. There is no choice about this. Young people, let’s find great purpose in caring for our brethren.

2. Following The Lord Jesus’ Example In Loving One Another

“As I have loved you, that you also love one another.” 
John 13:34

The kind of love that we show each other is modelled after the way the Lord Jesus showed His love. He loved His own disciples to the very end (John 13:1). He demonstrated love to His disciples by patiently teaching and revealing truths to them. He fed and provided for them. He washed their feet with love and gentleness (John 13). The Lord Jesus would give His life for His sheep (John 10:11). Despite the disciples struggling with believing in Him at times, He still loved them. He never gave up on them. As the Lord had loved, let’s also love one another. Let’s learn to follow the example of the Lord Jesus in showing great love and graciousness.

3. Being Distinct As Disciples In Loving One Another

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” 
John 13:35

When we learn to love each other as Jesus loved His disciples, it will make us distinct from the world. It will make us stand out as the disciples of the Lord Jesus. People will see the difference by the way we live and show care for each other. When we are perfectly trained (Luke 6:40), we will be able to show the Lord’s kind of love to one another. Let’s seek to bear witness of the Lord Jesus through the way we love and care. Jerrie Jiang has continued her chemotherapy treatment this week, which will be challenging for her. Let’s take time to show care by encouraging her and praying for her. Let’s also show love and care for Jane Tan whose mother has just passed away. Let’s seek to show concern one another in our time of need. Let’s be that church … where people care for people. Let’s seek to be distinct and outstanding in the way we care for one another.

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