Teach me to love, Lord - Amy Lively
When I was a student, some subjects came easily. I could ace an English class with my pencil tied behind my back. Math and French… not so much! At home, I’m good at cleaning a toilet and making a bed, but baking a souffle is not my forte. I can program a website but I can’t paint a picture.
Thankfully, I had schoolteachers who taught me algebra and proper pronunciation. My mother taught me how to make a home sparkle, and she’s still the one I call in suppertime distress. My techie friends teach me HTML and my creative friends coach me in fine arts.
Loving my neighbor doesn’t come naturally to me, either – thankfully, I have Someone to teach me how to do that, too!
“God himself has taught you to love one another.” 1 Thessalonians 4:9 NLT
Theodidaktos is a unique word in the New Testament, only used in this verse. It means “taught of God” and it combines the root words theos (Godhead) and didaskō (to hold discourse with others in order to instruct them, to impart instruction, to instill doctrine, to explain or expound).
When I am too lazy or selfish to invest in my neighbors’ lives, His Holy Spirit teaches me how to be sacrificial. When I am afraid to meet new people, He teaches me how to be bold. When I am overwhelmed with all the needs in my neighborhood, He teaches me how to trust in Him. And when I am joyful about a new found friend, He teaches me how to give the glory back to Him.
Teach me, Lord. Teach me to love my neighbor as You have loved me, as You have loved them. Teach me Your compassion. Teach me Your lovingkindness. Teach me your boldness. Teach me Your wisdom and Your ways.
