Love One Another

Jeremiah 7-9; John 13 

“’A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’”

John 13:34, 35

The commandments God gave Moses included the moral laws and commandments prohibiting idolatry. Jesus’ new commandment went beyond being separate or distinct from the world, and called his disciples to love one another. The power with which Jesus loved his disciples was expressed in washing their feet while they argued about position and status. This powerful love is to mark us as Christ-followers and is to be our defining characteristic. 

When personal belief, propositional truth-statements, and public worship become the defining characteristics of us as Christians, have we forgotten these simple words of Jesus?

The practical, sacrificial, and powerful love of Christ in us through the indwelling Holy Spirit must be evidenced in a loving discipleship community whose collective witness reinforces, and is often stronger than our personal witness.

How are we loving one another in the family of God?

“Lord Jesus, you are my Shepherd and example of loving leadership. Love through me, for your glory.”