One Message

For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. (1 John 3:11)

If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times...

That might be hyperbole when we yell it at our children (or spouse), but when God says it to us, it's not. John, in the verse above, reminds us that there is one message God has been trying to get through to humanity from the beginning: love one another. Because he loves us, we are called—commanded—to love one another. If he's told us once, he's told us a thousand times...

In the beginning, God demonstrated his love by providing everything Adam and Eve needed. Love one another by taking care of one another.

To Abraham: I have made a covenant with you; you will be blessed to be a blessing. The love and mercy I have poured out on you, you should share with all of those around you.

To Moses: I love my people. They are in desperate straits. Once you've rescued them, bring them to this mountain so I can show them how to live and love and make a difference in the world.

To David: Lead in my place and show the people how to follow me as king. They will live as my people, loving one another and blessing the world around them.

From the Prophets: My people, you have failed to be who I called you to be. You're busy worshipping other gods, and so I'm going to send you away in exile. There, you will be separated from everything you think is important. And there, perhaps, you can learn again your purpose here on earth: to love one another and bless others.

And ultimately, in Jesus the message couldn't have been stated more clearly: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you should love one another. I'm showing you the depth of God's love for you by giving my life on the cross. Now, live out that love toward each other. Live a cross-shaped life toward each other. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.

One message, from the one heart of God. He's told us a thousand times. Why haven't we gotten it yet?