Senior Living - December 11, 2015

Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did. --1 John 2:6

The "mother" of the Salvation Army was Catherine Booth. Campbell Morgan said, "Wherever Catherine Booth went, humanity went to hear her. Princes and peeresses merged with paupers and prostitutes."

One particular night, Mrs. Booth and Mr. Morgan happened to be in the same meeting. A large crowd of "publicans and sinners" was also there. Many came to Christ that night because of her message. After the meeting, Booth and Morgan went to a glamorous home to be entertained. The lady of the manor said, "Mrs. Booth, that meeting was dreadful, wasn't it?"

Mrs. Booth replied, "What do you mean?"

The lady responded, "When you were speaking, I was looking at those people opposite of me. Their faces were so terrible, many of them. I don't think I shall sleep tonight!"

Mrs. Booth asked, "Don't you know them?"

The hostess replied, "Certainly not!"

Mrs. Booth said, "Well that's interesting…I didn't bring them with me from London; they are your neighbors!"

In Matthew 19:19, Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." This New Testament command originated in the Old Testament, Leviticus 19:18: "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself." God gave these instructions to show His people how they were to treat others and live in a community of peace with one another.

It may be hard to love some people—even those who may be in your church circle of friends—but we love the Lord by showing our love to others. When we love others with God's love, even the unlovable, He's able to transform lives and hearts.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to help you love others just as He would. Thank God for His abounding love for you, so that you may share it with others. 

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