Grace and peace, church family.

Recently, I came across a short story from the early church that has stuck with me. It comes from St. Jerome, a fourth-century theologian and pastor best known for translating the Scriptures into Latin. In his Commentary on Galatians, Jerome recorded a simple but powerful story about the Apostle John, the one Scripture calls “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”

Jerome writes:

The blessed John the Evangelist lived in Ephesus until extreme old age. His disciples could barely carry him to church, and he could not muster the voice to speak many words. During individual gatherings he usually said nothing but, “Little children, love one another.” The disciples and brothers in attendance, annoyed because they always heard the same words, finally said, “Teacher, why do you always say this?” He replied with a line worthy of John, “Because it is the Lord’s commandment and if it alone is kept, it is sufficient.” (Commentary on Galatians, 6:10)

I find that story both beautiful and challenging.

In a world that feels increasingly fractured, reactive, and weary, loving one another does not come easily. The truth is that love requires patience when we would rather withdraw, grace when we demand to be right, and courage when relationships feel costly. Loving well is rarely convenient and often uncomfortable.

And yet…

John’s wisdom reminds us that love is not a side note to the Christian life; it’s the heart of it. If we get this right, so much else begins to fall into place. Love shapes our witness. Love steadies our disagreements. Love keeps us rooted in Christ when, all too often, the world feels unsteady.

So, my friends, take a deep breath.

May we be a people who take this simple command seriously: Little children, love one another.

Especially when it’s hard.

In Him,

— Mark