How did we learn to love? Who taught us? We learn to love by being loved. As I stand before couples in a wedding ceremony, I know that people who have been loved already know how to love.
When others asked Jesus to distill the commandments down to one, he offered two: love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Watching Jesus for three years, John enjoyed a front row seat and learned the connection between the two laws.
We demonstrate our love for God by loving others. Our lack of love for people calls into question our love for God.
An old story from the early church tells how the aged apostle John was helped to the front of the church. He leaned out over the crowd and whispered, "Children, love one another." John had been a "son of thunder." How did he learn to love? He heard Jesus' new commandment to love one another. Then he saw Jesus love Samaritans and Syrophoenicians and lepers. Eventually, John became known as the beloved disciple. He was loved.
People who are loved know how to love. We are loved by the Father. We should love people. All people. Start with the ones you see today.
