Computer illustration by Adele Bower

John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Here in Houston and most of the Gulf Coast of Texas, it has been a week that tests each of us. Widespread flooding and winds have caused deaths and destruction. But you probably know all about that by now.

Through it all and continuing into this week, the people of this area have been showing what it means to love one another. I include the many kind people from other states and parts of Texas.

While watching the reports on TV all this past week, it came to me clearly, “I love these people”. Thank you, Lord for giving me the grace to sincerely feel love for those suffering, all strangers mostly. Oh yes, it is easy to love my family and friends, and feel great sympathy for them. The home of our own son and his family was severely damaged by high water inside. Only the Lord can cause us to love  those we do not know. I’m grateful.

I’ve learned another interesting thing: the larger our family grows, the more grandchildren and soon a great-grandchild we are blessed with, the more loved ones there are to love…..

……..the more our emotions and faith in the Lord are tested. 

Why am I declaring a New Year’s Resolution by the month, you may wonder? Last December I tried to come up with one Resolution to fit all year and I couldn’t. Then and there I decided to break it into 12 months…thereby more easily reminding myself of my resolve. Each month I post the Scripture right next to my computer to remind myself.

“Love one another.”

‘Til He Shouts!