“I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another." (JOHN 13:34) “As I have loved you,” this is the hard part – Jesus’s love is unconditional; our love usually comes with strings attached. It is easy to love someone when they love you back. But it takes mercy and compassion to love someone when you feel unappreciated, feel used or feel like your opinion doesn’t matter. It takes courage and the grace of God to “love my neighbor” when they may be someone you don’t like, someone you don’t know, or someone that doesn’t look like you.

“The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” (ACTS 13:52) The disciples heard Our Lord’s call and were able to spread the Gospel message with strength and vitality. We, too, can experience that same joy if we make room for the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts. When we use our gifts in the way that God intends, He fills us with supernatural joy. A joy that others notice and are attracted to!

Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’” (JOHN 21:17) How often do you actually say the words “I love you” to Jesus, to family members, or to friends? We are made to be in relationship with God and each other. Sincerely telling someone that you love them is the best gift you can give them because it comes from your heart. You are giving them the gift of yourself. We all were made by love & for love. Tell someone you love them every day.

“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’” (JOHN 20:21) Peace – the first gift of the risen Lord. Just as Jesus sent the apostles out into the world, so too, He sends us. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be compassionate and merciful; and not with just those who are our friends, but also with our “enemies.” Think of someone in your life who you need to reconcile with. Call them right now or better yet, go visit them.