Time is too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love – time is eternity.
Does it now make sense why the Bible urges us to practice "loving one another"?
Henry Van Dyke
Theologian/Poet/Professor of Literature at Princeton University
* In John 13:35, Jesus said "By this will all men know you are my disciples, when you have love one for another". The words "love one another" (agape allelon) is a very interesting expression in Greek.
The root words "agapē allēlōn " means "loving reciprocally" in the sense of "giving and receiving love from each other".
When we think of "loving another" we often only think of what we can give or do for another – but "agape allelon" means love which is reciprocal, mutual and implies a lavish give and take.
The love (agape) which Jesus implies in John 13:35 not only involves sacrificial giving or caring for another but also includes gracious and gratuitous receiving from another in the spirit of gratitude and humility.
Oh, for this kind of "agape allelon" in the church today! Pray with me that the unbelieving world will see this authentic love amongst the brethren – and by this truly the world will know we are His disciples indeed! – John
Your comments, thoughts or suggestions are welcome. The body text is by the author, the header and the words in italics are mine – John B. Samuel
Changi Chapel 
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