Love Harder

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

— John 13:34

“After 55 years of having no sight, the only thing I can say is that life is beautiful, if you want it to be,” says a man who was born blind. He shared his story on the Humans of Bombay Facebook page. While he remains unnamed in the story, he is an admirable illustration of the power of love to shape a life.

He says he accepted his destiny after a surgery to correct his vision failed. He went to school, made friends and discovered an independent life. He worked, went to college, occasionally performed in an orchestra and saved every dollar he could for post-graduation. Then he accepted a job with the State Bank of India. And even though he’s never seen her, he married the love of his life.

Asked what advice he would give to people, he replied, “Life is beautiful, if you want it to be. When I hear stories of people suffering from depression or young children committing suicide— I feel like there’s where the problem is. The lack of love is the real handicap anyone can have and these are the people who need to be loved even harder.”

We all likely know someone who is hurting—maybe even someone who has lost all hope. The hurting don’t need money or things. They need to see that someone loves them—someone who’s willing to love harder.

Jesus said when we choose to love others as He has, our loving actions identify us as followers of Christ. When we put others before ourselves—helping when it’s inconvenient, giving when it hurts to do so, devoting energy to serve others or forgiving others—we are truly His disciples.

Today’s One Thing

Is there someone you’ve struggled to love? Show love and serve them in one simple way today.

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