One of the favorite songs of my children growing up goes like this:
“Jesus said love everyone, treat them kindly too.
When your heart is filled with love, others will love you.”
We sang that song hundreds of times as I was raising eight children. It often was chosen because it was so short. But over the years, the message to me has been profound. How did Jesus really love everyone??
I think as we examine ourselves, it is easy to see as others have seen. We see things on the surface. We see the outward appearance. And sometimes, sadly, more than not, judgment of that sight follows.
Jehovah of the Old Testament is a testimony of Jesus. That is why it is called the testament or testimony. The writings are of Jesus, the Savior of the world. With that in mind, we can access a few stories that help us understand how Jesus loves EVERYONE. First, let’s look at the story of Samuel going to the house of Jesse to anoint a new king. From the oldest to the youngest all the sons of Jesse are brought to Samuel for an interview. These are strapping young men and look like they are in great shape. Samuel, by the gift of revelation knows that none of these are the ones the Lord had in mind for the king. So, he asks Jesse if he has any other sons? Jesse replies that his youngest son is in the fields tending the sheep. Samuel requests that he be brought in. As Samuel sees David, the Spirit witnesses to him that this son of Jesse is the one to be anointed king. The caveat is in the verse that follows the story. Paraphrasing, it says that the Lord does not look on the outward appearance as man does but looks upon the heart. This is a certain key as to how Jesus does it… He looks upon the heart of everyone.
The New Testament, or second witness of Jesus Christ, also has ample examples of how Jesus looks upon people. Remember the story of the woman caught in adultery? She is brought to Jesus as a test to see what He would do regarding the Law of Moses. According to the Law of Moses, adulterers were to be stoned. Jesus pauses and draws in the dirt then says; “He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone.” One by one, the accusers leave and Jesus is left alone with the adulterer. Jesus asks the adulteress, where are thine accusers? They had all gone so the woman said she had none. The Lord then says, “Neither do I condemn thee. Go thy way and sin no more.” Jesus judged righteously. If we cannot judge righteously, knowing all aspects of the circumstances, then we also cannot cast any stone at anyone. Love crowds out opportunities to judge.
Today, let us determine to look upon the hearts of others and do it without judgment. I believe that the world can become a better place if we follow this great example. This is indeed the way Jesus loved everyone and we can too!