Scripture:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34–35)
Reading:
A simple scroll through social media reveals a lot of what we love: our families, food, puppies, and vacations. Heart emojis and “#love” are everywhere online but meet someone face to face, who is hard to love, and suddenly our virtue can be rather lacking.
But Jesus was not vague.
During one of His final conversations with the disciples before the cross, He reiterated the Old Testament command to “…love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18) Yet the way He worded it was radical. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you,…” (John 13:34)
“As I have loved you,…” Jesus had just washed their grungy feet. And let us not forget that Judas was still at the table when he said this. He knew Peter would deny Him within hours too. Yet, He still looked around at that broken group of men and said, “By this…” (John 13:35)
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
He did not mean that we are to love when it is convenient, nor when people earn it. He did not command to love only the people who agree with you, live like you, or speak kindly to you.
We are to simply love one another - selfless, sacrificial, servant-hearted love - like Jesus. This is the mark of a maturing Christian.
This kind of selfless love is hard. It means forgiving when it hurts. Listening without needing to be right. Showing up with the perspective of Christ when others (or you) fall short.
Jesus said that everyone will know we are His disciples, not by our theology, our Instagram reels, or our opinions, but by how we love. That is our defining trait, the spiritual fingerprint of the Holy Spirit.
So today, maybe the most radical thing we can do is ask, “How can I love like Jesus right now?” It may look like giving someone your full attention, offering an apology, or taking the risk.
The world does not need more photographs and clever words about what we love. It needs living proof of Christ’s love in action. By this love, His love, Jesus has invited you to be that proof.
Your Turn:
1. In what way is Jesus’ command to love one another a new command?
2. What does a life defined by Christ-like love look like? Pray for a clear way to show love this week.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing true love, Your love through Jesus. Help me to die to my self-life and live to love others selflessly. Let Your love shine through me. Amen.