Stay here and love each other

Like a mom walking out the door and leaving her kids with last-minute instructions, or a teacher wrapping up a year long course, or even like a much loved professor delivering a commencement address.

This is the way I see Jesus as he speaks to and prays for his disciples for the last time before he walks the Gesthemane road.  He knows all the other words and events will come back to the disciples, but in the meantime don’t forget this core truth. Hold on to it through the wild ride that could make you forget all except the most basic thing I taught, he says.

“You can’t come with me, so stay here and love each other.”

Very, very simple words with deep layers of meaning. Love each other. Treat each other like I’ve treated you. Look for the ones who are pushed aside and love them, too. Just love, in the verb sense. In the real life way of dirty feet and hungry bellies and betrayers and thieves.

Father, I pray that my children and I would love like Jesus loved while he walked our earth, and like you have loved throughout eternity.  Empower us to love across all backgrounds, ethnicities, religions and genders- unconditionally, fiercely, inconveniently, forgivingly, faithfully, personally, enduringly. Sacrificially.  When we love like Jesus, everyone will know we are yours, Father- may this be the deep desire of our hearts. #prayersformychildren