A Prayer to Love One Another
By Rachael Adams
Bible Reading:
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. - John 13:34-35
Listen or Read Below:
I didn’t want to see my mom here again. This was her second cancer diagnosis in seven years. This particular time, I visited with her for a portion of her hospital stay for a stem cell transplant. Despite the dismal situation and surroundings, we had a wonderful time together. Since we don’t live in the same community, and now that my brothers and I are all married with children, the two of us can rarely spend such quality time together alone.
I find it remarkable that while being cooped up in a place we didn’t want to be, with a diagnosis we didn’t want to face, and while receiving treatments that made her feel terrible, we could still enjoy sharing hospital-made meals, working puzzles in a window seat, taking walks in the hallways, making new friends with the nurses, and finding ourselves overcome with laughter.
Being with my mom during this time was a joy. This visit was easy for me to enjoy because I am healthy. I know my mom also treasured our time together, though she was the one being poked and prodded and in pain. She intentionally chose to love the person in front of her, regardless of how she felt or how bleak the circumstances were.
The beauty of what I experienced with my mom wasn’t exclusive to us. During my brief stay, I observed numerous caregivers expressing concern for their loved ones. In a hospital filled to the brim with sickness and hopelessness, it was also beaming with love and hope. Through my people-watching, I was privy to family and friends sitting for hours at bedsides, pushing wheelchairs, bringing coffees, delivering flowers, hugging in hallways, praying at tables, sharing meals, holding hands, carrying on conversations, and purchasing gifts. It was impactful for me to see how much we need one another, especially in our times of hardship.
The phrase “one another” is derived from the Greek word allelon, which means “one another, each other, mutually, reciprocally.” This term occurs 100 times in the New Testament, and approximately one-third of these commands instruct Christians to love one another. Jesus knew we would need one another, especially once He ascended into Heaven. In fact, shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus gave His disciples a new command to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, all men will know you were my disciples if you love one another (John 13:34,35).”
He was essentially saying that love should be the defining characteristic of the Christian community. In fact, the first Christians were given their name by the Romans because of their generosity to one another. The early church was comprised of the first disciples, who did their best to obey Jesus’ instructions when He was no longer with them. We read their story in the Book of Acts. In chapter 4, we learn, “the believers were of one heart and mind. No one claimed his possessions were his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power, the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them. There were no needy persons among them (Acts 4:32-34).”
Can you imagine a society where there was no need among us because we, as Christians, cared for one another so extravagantly? These early believers exemplified a beautiful model of unity and generosity that we can follow.
Our Christlike treatment of one another displays that we are Jesus’ disciples to a watching world. However, how often do people see petty bickering, greed, revenge, callousness, jealousy, and division instead? I’m guilty of all of the aforementioned. But may I challenge us today? The world is a hospital for the hurting. People are longing for someone to come alongside and help carry their burdens. Let us meet their needs by helping when it’s inconvenient and serving sacrificially. This kind of behavior is hard to do. That is why people notice when you do and know a supernatural source empowers you to do so. Who knows? Perhaps loving one another in this counter-cultural way could welcome someone into the family of God.
Let’s Pray:
Father, thank You for showing us perfect love through Jesus. Forgive me when I choose selfishness over love. Open my eyes to the burdens around me and give me courage to step in with compassion. Fill me with Your Spirit so I can love others as You have loved me. May my actions reflect the unity and generosity of the early church, and may others see You through me.
Remind me that love is not a feeling but a choice I can make daily, even when it’s hard. Help me to love my family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers with a heart that mirrors Yours. And Lord, may my love be a light that points others to the hope found only in You.
In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Discuss today’s devotional with others in the Your Daily Prayer thread on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/ Maskot
Author of A Little Goes a Long Way and host of The Love Offering podcast, Rachael Adams, hopes to help women realize their God-given purpose and significance. She and her husband, Bryan, live in Kentucky with their two children, Will and Kate. Her work has been featured on Crosswalk, Proverbs 31, Today Parenting, and YouVersion. Connect with her by visiting rachaelkadams.com, searching @rachaeladamsauthor on social media, and tuning in to The Love Offering podcast every Tuesday on your favorite listening platform.
Related Resource: When Life Unravels: Biblical Strategies for Hard Seasons
Few challenges stretch a parent’s faith and emotional reserves more than life’s unexpected curveball seasons—the plot twists that leave you wondering, “God, what are you doing?” How do you remain anchored in truth when the bottom drops out?
This week on Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine welcomes back her very first guest and trusted friend, Dr. Erin Barry, to help parents not only survive, but find hope and stability in life’s most turbulent moments. Dr. Barry is a clinical Christian counselor, author, homeschool expert, and co-founder of inseparableLives.com. Her biblically grounded wisdom comes from over 30 years of walking families through the storms of life.
In this transparent and practical episode, Catherine gets real about her own season of loss, uncertainty, and a series of shocking life upheavals—from parenting a prodigal, to family moves, to sudden job loss. Using these stories as a backdrop, Dr. Barry unpacks essential biblical strategies for clinging to faith and finding stability when life feels out of control. If this episode helps you be a more thoughtful parent, be sure to follow Christian Parent, Crazy World on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!