We know that every human step leads to another step, and that every human act toward another brings about a reaction. What we too easily forget is that every step and action we take toward another is preceded by thought and attitude regarding the other. This is why Jesus repeatedly commanded his disciples to love others, even as he loves them.
A loving attitude toward another always leads to the greatest and most beneficial consequences for both. To maintain a loving attitude toward another leads to blessings for both the giver and receiver of loving actions. Yes, a loving attitude leads to loving actions that will likely require sacrifice of time and energy. But it will also lead to significant gains in a deepening relationship with the other.
Beverly Sills, a well-known operatic soprano singer during the 1950 – 1970 years, had just given an outstanding matinee performance, and according to the program, she would give another performance that evening at 8:00 p.m.
Backstage her loyal fans were congratulating her, when one of them said to her, “You must rest now, because I see that you have to give another performance tonight.” “No,” said Beverly Sills, “I don’t have to give another performance tonight.” “Well,” said her fan, “it says here in the program that you have an 8:00 p.m. performance this evening. Did you forget?” Beverly answered, “Yes, I do have a performance tonight, but I don’t have to give it. I get to give it.”
Beverly Sills spoke and acted the difference one’s attitude can make in how we live and relate to others. Beverly Sills was “privilege” oriented rather than “task” oriented. She considered it a privilege and a joy to give a performance, not a task to do or a burden to endure. For her, the performance was a joyful pleasure, because she believed she was doing what God called her to do, that is, sing. In being led by Jesus’ love for others, Beverly was blessed as she lovingly blessed others with her singing.
The truth is that I don’t have to love my neighbor. I don’t have to share what God has given me. I don’t have to feed the hungry, visit the sick, and be a friend to the lonely and dying. I don’t have to be kind, compassionate, and considerate of others. I don’t have to sacrifice time and energy to benefit the well-being of others.
I don’t have to do any of these things, but I get to do them as a privilege of being led by and filled with the love of Jesus. To be led by Jesus Love in caring about others is not burdensome and it transforms my work and relationships from burdensome task to blessed privilege.
This is what I hear Jesus saying to his disciples and us in John 15:9-17, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ….. 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. You are my friends if you do what I command. ….. This is my command: Love each other.”
In this passage, I hear Jesus telling his disciples of yesterday and today, that truly loving him will demand more than our words of love and worship. Truly loving him (Jesus) will lead to actions of love toward others in the same manner and measure that he loves us. And these works of love will often require sacrifice, even as he did for us because of his love for us.
Most importantly, the result of our being “privileged” oriented rather than “task” oriented, is perhaps more than most of us can fathom. In return for our love and obedience to his command to “Love each other,” God will love us. “He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” Like the story of the prodigal son, God will wrap his arms around us and welcome us home. Amen!
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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – June 16, 2023
Ray M. Geigley
Healing Rays of Righteousness 
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