The Power of Love

Today is Ascension Day. The Ascension precludes Pentecost, but Jesus prepares his disciples for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

In John 15, Jesus says, “if you love, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever–the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

Jesus has provided us with hope and love in the present and even into our futures. He is promising the Spirit’s life with us and even in us. And Jesus has loved us enough to conquer death and sin. With
God, He has given us the forgiveness of sin and the knowledge of a future, after this life, in heaven. What greater gifts could we possibly desire?

Paul, in Ephesians 4, tells us that “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” I have recently seen the power of this kind of Love at work. Two brothers I know have feuded with each other for years, yet, through their bond of love, have reconciled. Now they seem contended with each other, and at peace. Their reunion has brought the family closer together through the Triune God.

The power of Love is never-ending in intensity or importance. Step out of your comfort zone; reach out to a long-distance acquaintance or, perhaps a neighbor, and share with them facets of your life. If we all love each other more, we can grow in our appreciation for the task that Jesus set before us – to Love.