John 13:35 “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
We wear different hats at different places. We are fathers, mothers, sons or daughters at home, we are entrepreneurs, engineers, teachers in the corporate world; we are deacons, preachers or members in the church world and influencers, motivators or encourages in the social world. No matter where we are, it is our “fruit” that will prove our “faithfulness” to the Lord. Your fruit will attract people to you. A mango tree does not advertise that its mangos are ripe, juicy and tasty. The colour, the smell and the fruitfulness will automatically attract the audience. Similarly authentic, selfless and steadfast benevolence will attract the broken, betrayed and battered to us.
Ruth and Naomi were real people, who lived a real life and in real time. Naomi loved her pagan Moabite daughter-in-law as her own daughter and Ruth showed unadulterated love to her mother-in-law. We have relationships that we are born into and we are married into. Only the cement of “love” can bind and build both “blood-bound” and the “law-bound” relationships. 1 John 4:20b For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. Our worldly relationships is the true expression of our love for God whom we have not seen.
Three basic truths about relationships:
1. Commonality: Commonality is not a criteria for love. Unity does not mean sameness but oneness in purpose. There was nothing in common between Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi. Ruth came from a different culture, religion and race to Naomi, yet as both of them had the love of God, they were glued together. Their thinking, dressing and taste buds would have been different; hobbies, habits and heritage were different but they valued, treasured and loved each other exhibiting a perfect example. Relationships are built on the right attitude, not similitude.
2. Compete: We are unique, special and imperative hence, we complement not compete with each other. Relationships get sour simply because we try to be competitive for significance. Significance is not being in the spotlight but being part of the success story. For the smooth running of a home, each person has a role. Ruth was the stronger of the two women, hence, she went out to earn income in the foreign land while Naomi, prayerfully found a home for Ruth to restart and rebuild her life. Rather than stepping on each other’s toe, if we embrace, appreciate and compliment, love will grow.
3. Congruent: Love is not to be in agreement to everything but agreeing to disagree without a dispute. Your spouse, sibling or superior will not resemble you in views, ideas and thoughts. Openness, humbleness and acceptance to the discussion and the inspiration of others will bring harmony and congruence in family, forum or among friends. The way we treat others determines the depth of our relationship with God. 1 John 4:20a If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. It is impossible to be marinated in the love of God and mistreat people.
Where there is love, there is no envy, comparison, offence, pride, or competition. Love is the glue that binds both earthly and Godly relationships.
Matthew 25:40 ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Prayer: Heavenly Father, let me be filled with your love that will reach out and touch the broken world. Help me to pass the “test of love” to prove that I am your disciple. Amen
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