MAY 29 | 1 JOHN 3:11-16

---

DAILY READING

1 John 3:11-16

---

REFLECTION

Love Changes Everything 

by Judy Webb

“Do not be surprised brothers and sister, if the world hates you.” (1 John 3:13)

We experience this hatred every time we watch news clips or listen to a podcast; hate is everywhere. It consumes our culture and takes away from our peace. And this, my friends, is Satan in action. The only thing to combat this stifling atmosphere is to try and be the change needed. Look for the good in people and celebrate it! When we look, we will find it.

I was watching one of the nightly news episodes which closes out each broadcast. The purpose is to highlight the good news, the unexpected behavior of one individual toward another; we call it loving one another. While watching one of these recordings, I was reminded of a time when a complete stranger exhibited unconditional love to my family. “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us.” (v.16).

Our daughter, about 2 years old at the time, wandered from the back yard into the front. Normally this isn’t a big issue, but this day was different. There was a party going on down the street and cars were parked, lining the road. This 2-year-old became curious and peeked out between the parked cars then darted into oncoming traffic. A woman, a stranger, was on the sidewalk and saw her step-in front of one of the approaching vehicles. Without even thinking she jumped in front of her and pushed her to the curb –No Greater Love.

A person in the area witnessed her bravery and scooped up our little girl. They brought her to our front porch and told us what had happened. The stranger (angel) was nowhere to be seen. Was that person possibly you?

When I think about this event of almost 50 years now, I realize God interceded with love. I recognize how his plan for this little girl could go on and how she could do the work He had planned for her to do – Kingdom work!

I often wonder about this woman, this Guardian Angel. I wish I could thank her and get to know her. I would like to share how her actions, without regard to her own safety, saved us from a lifetime of grief and guilt. I would love to explain to her how that one act of selflessness may have changed the world – for the better. Cause that’s what love does. It changes the world for the better.

Do you have a similar story? Will you share it? The world needs to hear about love which changes everything. Comment below or email me.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, Help us to recognize how love really can change everything. Your Son is the best example of this, of the selflessness of real love. We wait for the day when love is all we know and need. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

---

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.

---