"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34). Surrounded by His disciples as He was preparing to face betrayal and the cross, Jesus seemed to feel that this instruction was worth repeating - He says it again in John 15. Apparently the concept of love is found in John's gospel over 39 times (haven't counted myself). The newness of the command is loving as He has loved us, not the instruction to love one another itself - that one is found throughout the Scriptures. It's also interesting how the themes of these last chapters are picked up again in 1 John:
"And this is His commandment: We must believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us." (1Jn 3:23)
"This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another." (1Jn 3:11)
"If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead." (1Jn 3:14)
"Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love." (1Jn 4:7-8)
"No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us." (1Jn 4:12)
Fairly straightforward, I'd say - at least in theory... Genuine love, rooted in His love for us, is our Certificate of Authenticity - the mark that others are getting the real deal, that we are who we say we are. And this is because God Himself is love - not just that He loves, but His very essence is love.
So the problem is, how far do we go in demonstrating our love for one another, both within and outside of our church community? And how do we do it with pure motives, and not from guilt-driven obligation? It is a command - so obviously Jesus expects us to fulfil it; but it starts with understanding His love and grace. Having said this, I need help - how about you?
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As I have loved you
I have often asked other people if they know the names of any of the cleaners at their office, if they have a family, what their beliefs are? We are all important in God's eyes - no matter what job we fulfill on earth. It is so important to reach out to those lesser than you.