Be a Dear Friend: Loving One Another Like Jesus

Hey, carpool crew, whether you're headed to the park, helping your mom carry some groceries or riding in the backseat with your flip flops kicked off. I'm Pastor Justin and this is Carpooling with Jesus. Today's episode is all about something simple, but huge. It's something every person wants, something every heart needs, and something God is all about. Love. I wanna check out today's verse. It's from one John chapter four, verse seven. It says this, dear friends, let us love one another because love is from God and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. That's the kind of verse that's easy to hear and say, but it's even more powerful when you really feel it. So let's pause and think about how this starts. Dear friends, that's not just a Bible sounding phrase, John, the guy writing this letter really means it. He's talking to people. He cares about people in the church, people like us. So when he says, let us love one another, it's not just a general idea, it's personal to him. It's like he's saying, hey friend, I'm talking to you, and here's what he says we should do, love. Why? Because love is from God. That means the way we treat others, speak to others, the way we speak to our family, to our friends, our neighbors, forgive others. It all comes from the kind of love we've already received from God. And if you know God, really know him, then loving others isn't just a suggestion. It's part of who you are now. So who are you, a dear friend to think about your neighborhood, your cousin at the family barbecue, the kid who's always riding their scooter by themselves, the friend who hasn't come to camp this year, that's who this verse is talking about. You are the friend John's writing to, and the one called to go and love others like Jesus. And here's the thing, love isn't just hugs and high fives. Sometimes love is mowing the lawn for someone who's sick, bringing lemonade to a neighbor, or it's just choosing kind words. When you're feeling annoyed, love shows up. Love takes action. Love makes people feel seen. So today I want you to remember this. When we love one another we show the world who God is, and here's your challenge. Be a dear friend to someone else. Just pick a couple people in your neighborhood or in your family. Share it with your mom and dad. Share it with your parents who you picked, and let them help you do something loving for them. Write a card, help with a chore, bring them lemonade, or just stop by with a note of encouragement. You don't need a cape or a title to love one another. Just a heart that's been loved by God and ready to share it. It is Friday. So let's wrap up with our short Friday prayer. God thank you for this week. Help us finish strong today and bless our weekend with joy and rest. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. And parents, if you love today's podcast, share it with someone this weekend at the pool, at church, or at a game so they can have faith-filled moments every day too. Now, answer this question together before you go. Who can you show God's love to this weekend right where you are? I'll see you next Monday as we kick off a week looking at miracles Jesus performed.