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And in as much as God is holy, we are called to be holy (Lev. 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16). Of course, we cannot be holy exactly as God is because we are not in completeness in his incommunicable traits such omniscience and omnipotence, but we can be in the likeness of him — living in, especially love, since God is love.
Furthermore, Jesus tell us in John 13:34-35: “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 another.” Jesus Christ is saying that love for one another is a distinguishing mark as his followers. It is so distinctive that it will set us apart from the world. Although Jesus’ words here apply to the entire body of Christ, practically speaking, loving each other goes even further. How unique would this be for an unbeliever accustomed to a world determined to enforce selfishness, division, and exclusion, to begin to witness God’s love in a body of believers? This kind of humanly love reflects the way Jesus loves is available for us and for them. It is holy because it is different from the worldliness view of love.
Loving one another and loving all people — even our enemies — is hard. So we must pursue love just as we are to pursue holiness and we can pray for increasing love for others as Christ commands. God’s holiness is his devotion to his glory and pleasure in his relationship to the world, and the shape he wants the world to take in relation to him. God’s love is holy, pure, and perfect that we can be recipients by his greatness and purity. God’s love and holiness are inseparable. God’s love motivates holiness, and holiness requires the work of loving God. His love is freely offered in forgiveness and is a blessing promised by faithfully obeying his commands.
Eternal God, we thank you for this wonderful gift of our love. Help us to continue to love each other and accept each other. May our love for one another kindle flames of joy and hope. Help me to love deeply, from the heart. Help us to let go of any bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander. Help us to reflect an image of you as we love and forgive each other in these uncertain times. May we continue to emulate your holiness in our love. Amen.
Rev. Carole, Assistant Pastor
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