“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”John 15:12–14
One of the best examples of a giving love is the story of Ted Stallard.— Ted was a typical young boy—he loved to play in dirt, explored much, and thought little of school. His clothes seemed to always be dirtied and wrinkled. He had written off school, made very poor grades, and no one seemed to accept him. Even his teacher Miss Thompson seemed frustrated with his apathy. Maybe if she had read his official school record, she would have understood him more:
1st grade: Ted shows promise with his work and attitude, but (has) poor home situation.
2nd grade: Ted could do better. Mother seriously ill. Receives little help from home.
3rd grade: Ted is good boy but too serious. He is a slow learner. His mother died this year.
4th grade: Ted is very slow, but well-behaved. His father shows no interest whatsoever.
Christmas time came during Ted’s 5th grade year. While all the other children were busy talking of the magnificent gifts they had bought Miss Thompson, Ted sat quietly in his seat, clutching a small brown paper bag. Miss Thompson called them up to her desk and one at a time, each child presented their gift. When Ted’s turn came, he was grinning from ear to ear as he presented his gift. Miss Thompson opened it to find an old bottle of perfume and a charm bracelet that was missing some charms. While the other children snickered, Miss Thompson put on the bracelet, sprayed on the perfume, and thanked Ted for the wonderful gift. Ted replied, “Now you smell just like my mother. And the bracelet looks nice on you too. I’m glad you like my presents.” It was then that Miss Thompson realized that Ted had given her some of his mother’s possessions. She cried that afternoon after school and committed to becoming a teacher more sympathetic and caring toward her students.
What had Miss Thompson overlooked in Ted’s life? She had missed the fact that Ted’s behavior stemmed from an inward struggle, an inward loss. Had she known about Ted’s mother, I’m sure she would have treated Ted differently, maybe taken more time to help him rather than become frustrated with him.
Think about the Teds of your life. Who is it that frustrates, angers, annoys, or upsets you? Have you ever stopped to question why they act the way they do? Most people’s outward actions are a result of inward hurt.
Notice Christ’s command in our verse, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (vs. 12). How did Christ show His love? He healed the sick, ministered to the hurting, and made a way of salvation for us all. Jesus didn’t allow sickness, disease, or even social rules stop Him from displaying love. Even as He was being crucified, His love never faltered (Luke 23:34).
If the Saviour loved those who crucified Him, can you love that person that annoys you? God commands us to love others as He has loved us. He didn’t allow our sin or actions to negate His love. Who have you not been so loving toward? Remember that everyone carries burdens. Alleviate someone’s burden today by obeying God’s command to love others.(By Dr. Paul Chappell)
