Jesus says, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).

John writes that “if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:12).

To the Romans, Paul says, “Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up” (Romans 15:2).

I don’t know about you, but some days I really miss the mark. Actually, scratch the word “some.” MANY days I miss the mark!

And do you want to know why? It’s often because I’m rushing around too much. And since I’m rushing around, I don’t have the time—or, at least, I don’t TAKE the time—to see and respond to the needs of others.

Yup, it’s harder to be loving when you’re always rushing.

I realize it’s a work in progress, and that there’s a deeper, darker issue at play. It’s a pervasive busyness in our lives and minds which is getting worse, which is selfish, which contributes to distraction…

and which threatens to unplug us from loving and building up the people around us.

That’s why it’s helpful to take a sober second thought before you cram something else into your schedule; to go to bed 20 minutes earlier so you feel more refreshed the next day to be at your best; to leave for an event or outing 10 minutes early so you can pitch in if someone needs you.

“If we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

It’s harder to be loving when you’re always rushing.

By Matthew Ruttan

–This Sunday at Westminster in Barrie I’m teaching about Romans 8:31-39 and being “more than conquerors.” We also have our monthly Q & A Forum after the service and these two submitted questions: “Why are some atheists so offended by Christianity that they resort to stereotyping and vilifying us?” and “Are evolution and the Bible compatible?”

–“Up!” is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on January 27.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.