Description
Understanding Jesus’ Command to Love One Another
In this episode, we explore Jesus Christ’s important commandment from … (visit YouTube for more)
Transcript
If we say that we are followers of Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ has given us a direct order, we probably should pay attention to that, shouldn’t we? John 13 verse 34: A new commandment I give to you that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
Now, the disciples hearing this commandment probably didn’t fully appreciate the kind of love that Jesus had for them. They’d been with him, they’d learned from him. They’d seen his example. They’d seen him stand up to authority when appropriate. They’d seen him submit to authority when appropriate.
They had seen him care for those in need. But most of all, they’d seen the way that a teacher can love his disciples with great patience, treating them with respect and dignity, even when they vex him. And then of course, ultimately going to the cross as they were later to learn was his intention.
And this is the commandment that Jesus gives us that we love each other, specifically other disciples of Jesus, in that same way. Would we truly give our lives up for one another? Would we stand in front of that bullet for our brothers and sisters in Christ?
Will we care for one another? Will we show compassion and hospitality to the believers in Christ?
Because we have been loved much and we have been forgiven much. We’ve been set this great example and we are challenged to do this for other believers.
And if we are to have a meaningful mission into the world, into society around us, we have to get this as right as we can. Because if we are not showing love to one another, the world has a perfect excuse to say that we’re just like everyone else. No, by this, people will know we are disciples of Jesus by the love that we have for one another.
Lord God, please fill us with your love so that we are able to fulfil this commandment. Please help us to surrender to you and your direction so that we are willing to lay down our lives in the way that you, Jesus, laid down yours for us. Amen.
