A Prayer to Love One Another - Your Daily Prayer - November 8

Audio By Carbonatix

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. 

Listen to Greg Laurie's New Show!

Everyone talks about life after death, but what about life during life? Do you wonder, 'Why am I here? How can I be truly happy? Does my life matter, or why do I feel empty inside?' And, 'What really happens when I die?' Pastor Greg Laurie has helped millions find profound hope through true faith. On "The Greg Laurie Show," he transparently shares his own journey from hopelessness, addiction, and abuse to a spiritual revolution that transformed everything. Drawing on decades of impactful ministry, Greg tackles life's deepest questions, offering timeless biblical wisdom, practical guidance, and a compelling vision for a life radically transformed by Christ. Join Pastor Greg as he navigates today's cultural challenges, unpacks spiritual truths, and empowers listeners to discover lasting joy and meaning in a relationship with God.

Now that you've prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below