John 13:34-35 (New International Version)
34 “A new
command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one
another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love
one another.”
November 9 and 10, 1913 did not bring any comforting
memories to Nellie Williams. In fact those two days would continue to haunt her
dreams, waking her up in a cold sweat with tears soaking her pillow. Her life
would never be the same …
Hurricane-force winds squealed across Lake Erie for the
duration of those two days, and the Light Vessel 82, captained by her beloved
husband, Hugh, was hit head on. Overwhelmed by the ferocity of the high winds
as well as the breaking waves, the crew realized that their fight for survival
was hopeless.
This wasn't the only vessel to fall prey to this brutal
storm. Over 250 people aboard a dozen ships lost their lives.
Storm wreckage began to wash ashore at the foot of
Michigan Avenue, in Buffalo, NY. Among the debris was a piece of wood from
Light Vessel 82. This piece of wood displayed a penciled message from Captain
Williams to his wife. Realizing he had but moments to live, his last thoughts
went to the one he loved so dearly. He wrote "Goodbye, Nellie, The ship is
breaking up fast. Williams."
If love like this was our only motivation, how different
this world would be.
Loving one another should be our only priority, not only
as a benefit for ourselves, but also to others who have not heard the great
news about what God has done for each of us. So many leave churches after just
a couple of visits, because nobody seems to care. Where love does not thrive,
God's message is lost!
It's never too late to start having real friends. It's as
simple as starting to love others the way Jesus did! Pure love is only possible
when we get to know our Heavenly Father. Once we start this kind of
relationship with God, we'll have no choice but to love the way He does!
Dear Lord we pray that we would love like you love. We
pray that our love for others would be a true love that shows your love to
them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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