Love That Goes First

Jesus gave this command on the night before His crucifixion. He had just washed His disciples' feet, including the feet of the one who would betray Him. When He said "as I have loved you," the example was standing right in front of them.

The love of Jesus goes first. It does not wait for the other person to apologise, to earn it or to deserve it. It moves toward people with patience and humility, even at great cost.

That kind of love is impossible to manufacture on our own. It flows from knowing how deeply we ourselves are loved. As we receive Christ's love, we find the strength to extend it to the difficult neighbour, the distant relative, the colleague who frustrates us.

Who is one person you could love first today? It may be a phone call, a kind word, or simply choosing patience. Small acts of first-love are how the kingdom of God becomes visible.