When the leaders of the Church gathered in Jerusalem, they solved the problem concerning Gentile converts. Those embracing the faith needed only to obey the fundamental moral laws - circumcision and the observance of dietary laws were not required. They wisely decided on the minimum requirements. It was important to draw people to the faith rather than putting obstacles in their way. This is an important lesson for all of us. God does not make us jump over hurdles to approach Him.

The one commandment Jesus gave his followers was to love one another, just as he had done. It is not an easy path; love demands a lot and is a hard teacher. He insisted that the greatest form of love is to lay down one's life for others (just as he did!). We do not have to die to fulfill this - whenever we give of our time, energy, financial resources, and care, for the well-being and happiness of others, we have laid down our life. Then we can truly say that we are a friend of Jesus - we will know him personally, and he will share with us all that he has. Being a servant of the Lord is great but being a friend of the Lord is even better.