Love One Another: More Than a Command, a Calling

Love One Another: More Than a Command, a Calling

We often hear this phrase in church or read it in Scripture, but how often do we pause to reflect on what it truly means?

Let’s look at Genesis 50:20, where Joseph says to his brothers:

“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”

Joseph had every reason to be bitter. Betrayed by his own brothers, sold into slavery, and wrongly imprisoned, his life seemed shaped by the cruelty of others. Yet, instead of revenge, he chose love. He understood something powerful: what others meant for evil, God used for good.

Sometimes, people in our lives hurt us—intentionally or unintentionally. They may speak against us, behave in ways that break us, or leave scars that run deep. It’s easy to label them as the “villains” of our story. But if we look through the lens of faith, just like Joseph did, we might realize that they are not our enemies. They are, in fact, catalysts—unwitting instruments that God uses to guide us toward our destiny.

Joseph's journey to becoming Prime Minister of Egypt didn’t start in a palace—it started in a pit. But that pit was necessary. Without it, he would not have been trained, humbled, or prepared to lead with wisdom and compassion. Just like a child grows through discipline, we grow through trials. We develop patience, humility, and love—qualities essential for the great calling God has placed on our lives.

Romans 8:28 reminds us: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.”

So if you have someone in your life who challenges you, hurts you, or seems like an obstacle, remember: they might be the very signpost God is using to direct you. You are in the hands of God, and everything—every person, every circumstance—is part of His perfect plan.

No one is the true villain of your life. The enemy is the devil, not the people. And we are called to love people, not based on their perfection, but despite their flaws.

Think about this: even the most anointed servants of God are not perfect. On stage, they may seem flawless. But when we see their humanity off-stage, we’re often quick to change our perspective. Yet, Jesus never taught us to love conditionally. The world may love based on reasons—status, beauty, talents—but that love fades when the reasons disappear.

True love, the kind Jesus showed us, is different. He loves us in our imperfections. And that love changes us. If you want to see someone transformed, don’t wait for their perfection. Love them in their brokenness, just like Christ loved you in yours.

Because in the end, it’s not the love of man that transforms—it’s the love of God flowing through us.

Let this be a reminder today: Love one another. Not just in words, but in action, in patience, in grace, and in truth.

“The greater the calling, the greater the training.”

Let love lead you through it all.