5th Week in Easter : Friday, 8th May 2026

There were many followers of the Way of Jesus from Jewish descent who wanted to put new Gentile converts through many obstacle courses – circumcision, dietary laws, and full observance of the Law, which they themselves found difficult. It was the first crisis that Christianity faced.

There were sincere people on both sides. But the Council of Jerusalem decided on just the bare minimum of requirements – there should be as few obstacles and barriers as possible. Avoiding meat sacrificed to idols, blood, and fornication were sufficient. This opened the flood gates for many to be included in the faith.

The only commandment Jesus gave in the Gospel of John was to love one another. But love is not about warm feelings, affection, romance, or anything of the sort. It is practical yet deep – laying down one’s life for others. Laying down one’s life does not necessarily mean dying for them, but putting aside one’s own concerns to shoulder the burdens of others.

To reach out to others despite one’s preoccupation about self. Sacrificing one’s time, resources, and energy to help others are all expressions of this principle. Love is not a free ride – it is a challenging and rigorous mentor, yet fulfilling in many ways.

PRAYER:  O Father, teach me to love as Jesus did, to give and not to count the cost.