The Real Deal
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34-35 (KJV)
We are to love as Jesus loves us. Our love is not to be based on whether someone loves us first. When we receive Jesus’ love, we can love one another. By this expression of love for other believers will others know we are disciples of Christ.A disciple is a follower, a learner. As disciples of the Lord, we are taught and learn from Jesus and His example. When we act like Jesus, people will know we are the real deal. As we are real with God and with ourselves, we can be more real with others.
Don’t be a hypocrite, one who wears a mask like an actor performing on a stage. Hypocrites act like they are someone they are not. It can be easier to be fake than real so that no one gets close to us and sees our weaknesses and who we really are. However, love takes chances. Love makes opportunities to give love because loves loves. To be real is to be open and honest with each other. In love there is always a risk of hurt. On the other hand, love creates a path to real relationships that will bless your life and others’ lives. Real means being yourself and being vulnerable.
Love makes us free to see beyond ourselves to see others- who they really are and what they need. Communication sets things in motion, leading to exploration, then revelation, and ultimately to a real relationship. It starts with stepping out and reaching out to one another in love- to love and not hurt, to give and not take. As Jesus loves us, we can love each other. By this we can be real with one another. Love is the answer. Love is the key that opens the door to being real.
