A New Commandment?

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Scripture: John 13:34-35 (ESV)

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. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Devotion:

            The words of this scripture passage flow from the apostle John as quickly and frequently as any other word he ever wrote. Love is one of the overarching themes in John’s writings. From his gospel to his letters, John consistently writes of the necessity for Christians' lives to be marked by love for one another. The words John writes here are a quote from the lips of Jesus. Jesus knows the law of the Torah and is undoubtedly aware that in Leviticus 19: 18, we are commanded to love one another. So, in what sense is this a new command?

            The Leviticus command is that we love one another as we love ourselves. What is new is that Jesus is commanding that we love one another as Jesus has loved us. The difference would be made plain to the disciples very soon. When Jesus was nailed to that cross for our sins, He showed a depth of love that humanity had never known before. This command calls us to imitate that degree of love in our lives. Jesus, on the cross, not only set a new standard but also demonstrated the transformative power of love.

Most of us can understand and obey the call to love others as we love ourselves. Even as difficult as that command is to follow at certain times. To love one another to the point of giving our lives for our neighbor’s life is a very steep hill for mere Christians to attempt to climb. Indeed, in our strength alone, we would never make it. That is why the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, a constant source of strength and guidance, is essential to living the Christian life. Jesus says as much elsewhere in this gospel. While most American Christians may never be called actually to die for another believer, there are places in the world where they have the opportunity to do so.

Verse 35 above makes us pause to wonder: Do people know I am a Christian by my actions and words? Maybe one reason so many people are choosing to walk away from faith these days is that they do not see us loving one another in any tangible, visible way. Like the church in Ephesus in the book of Revelation, we need to repent and love each other the way we did when we first came to know Jesus. Recovering our first love for Jesus would go a long way toward a genuine move of God among all peoples. Let us pray for that and commit to showing our love through tangible acts of service and kindness.

Prayer:

            Lord, we confess that we have often failed to love others as much as you loved us. We allow fear to inhibit us from bold acts of love and service you call us to. May we repent of our shallow loves and mediocre service in your name. Fill us afresh with your Holy Spirit so that we can be bold followers of Christ in His power. Let us be found willing to go to any length to serve one another so that we may please you. Thank you, Lord, for loving us enough to die for us. May we be willing to follow you even on that dark and painful road. Amen.

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