John started his second letter by declaring his love for his readers. Most probably a group of believers or a congregation. But he said that his love for them went even further.

^1-2My dear congregation, I, your pastor, love you in very truth. And I’m not alone—everyone who knows the Truth that has taken up permanent residence in us loves you.

Love and caring for one another are essential to being children of God. This isn’t a selective act, but a fundamental truth. Our love must embrace all, with no exceptions or conditions.

We have executed this command poorly in the past, often limiting our love only to those who speak our language or share our skin colour. We have twisted God’s commands, making our love selective.

God loves us unconditionally. He loved us so much that He was willing to sacrifice His Son to die on a cross in our place, for the sins we’ve committed.

As a result, we no longer have to die for our sins. We’re freed from the fear of punishment and the fear of death itself. Now, we can live life to its fullest.

The result of this isn’t just that we should live in gratitude, but that we should actively give and live out love to everyone around us. This includes the poor, the rich, our colleagues, our friends, and even strangers who arrive on our doorstep during the toughest times.

We must love as Jesus loved. We must be willing to sacrifice ourselves and give love to others who deserve it just as little as we do. No, we should not be selective in our love, but we should always be ready to love everyone wherever we go.

It also applies to those closest to you. Sometimes, unconditionally loving the people in our inner circle is the most challenging. They might have hurt your feelings, or perhaps their actions caused you harm, leading you to believe they don’t deserve your love.

It is exactly here that we should live our gratitude and sow only love.

Piet told us about a camp for men that he attended. The entire weekend focused on love for others, especially our families. At the end of the weekend, the speakers gave each of them an assignment to go home and ask the people there: “Do you feel loved?”

Yes, it’s easy to say: “I love you!” But to love is a little more difficult.

Maybe you should also ask the people close to you: “Do you feel loved?”

Live in such a way that when you ask people that question, they will always be able to say: “Yes, thank you, always!”

Scripture
2 John 1:1-3

Reflection
Do you always live God’s love to everyone around you?
How do the people in your family experience you?
What is their answer to the question: “Do you feel loved?”

Prayer
Father, I confess I’m not fully living out Your love for everyone as an act of gratitude. Please help me grow in this increasingly. Amen.