JUDGEMENT BY LOVE

MONDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK

Readings: Lev 19:1-2, 11-18; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15 (R. see John 6:63c); Matt 25:31-46

St John of the Cross is often quoted as saying that at the end of our lives, we shall be judged on love. And I think he was expressing just the obvious because love is the greatest commandment (Matt 22:36-40).

If we are governed by love, then we do not necessarily need to begin to pick out the details of Lev 19:1-18. If we love others, we shall not steal from them as that would be depriving them of their needs, nor lie to them as that would lead them into error, and so on. It is even the same love, the love of God that cautions us against profaning his name.

More importantly, God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God and God in him (1 John 4:16). That is why whatsoever we do to others for the sake of love, we do for God. That is equally why Jesus paints a picture of the judgement in the kingdom of God as going to be based on how much love we show to others (Matt 25:31-46).

My dear, as you embrace this new working week, I encourage you to deal with everyone with love as that would be pleasing to God. Look round you today, there is a life you need to attend to (Deut 15:7-8). Jesus is looking up to you. And as you do so, may God’s love for you increase and attract unquantifiable blessings for you in this life and in the next. Amen.

I wish you a lovely and grace-filled week ahead. It is well with you.