“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
How Jesus loved His disciples! He prayed passionately for them. He taught them patiently despite their slowness to understand. He spent time with them. He’d rebuke or correct them when necessary, but He also freely forgave them when they were disobedient or quarrelsome. Though they at times forsook Him, He never turned His back on them. And, wondrously, He showed them the full extent of His love by dying for them.
Imagine if you and I were able to love like this! We easily lose patience with our brothers and sisters in the Lord; we feel they should “know better.” We grow outraged when we think their doctrinal views are wrong. When they cross us, we want to retaliate. We are reluctant to challenge them when they go astray. In all of this, we are much like the disciples before they understood who Jesus was, before He died for them, and before the Holy Spirit was poured into their lives.
Jesus forgives us without fail but also gives us a new commandment—one that may seem contrary to the world—to love one another.
Imagine if you and I were able to love like this! We easily lose patience with our brothers and sisters in the Lord; we feel they should “know better.” We grow outraged when we think their doctrinal views are wrong. When they cross us, we want to retaliate. We are reluctant to challenge them when they go astray. In all of this, we are much like the disciples before they understood who Jesus was, before He died for them, and before the Holy Spirit was poured into their lives.
Jesus forgives us without fail but also gives us a new commandment—one that may seem contrary to the world—to love one another.
Scripture Focus
Matthew 22:34-40
Insight
The way you love others—Christians and non-believers alike—will reflect Jesus in your life. Pray that He will help you faithfully do so.
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 25-26
- Psalm 13
- Matthew 21
