A Lack of Love

“Love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” —John 13:34

There are those who are reading this today who need to confess a lack of love that broke up a friendship. You may say, “But you don’t know what that person did.” Maybe they weren’t very loving. But was your response loving? Even if that person made themselves your enemy, Jesus said, “Love your enemies” (Matt. 5:44).

Some of you need to repent because it was your lack of love that provoked an argument with your teenager this morning, or makes you keep others at arm’s length, or prevents you from picking up the phone to call your parents. You might need to confess that your lack of love drove your children away from following the Lord. That’s not to say that people aren’t responsible for their own choices and behavior. They are. But did your lack of love have a part to play?

Selfishness and pride will blame the other person, but humility says, “Oh, Lord, it’s me! I haven’t loved that person as I ought.”