“I give you a new commandment—to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples—if you have love for one another.”
Into the Text
In a world where harsh words, judgmentalism, and indifference are all too common, it can feel like an impossible battle to genuinely love others with all of our hearts. I know for some of us, this commandment can feel like an unrealistic request. But, with God’s help, we can do this. Jesus could love and forgive Peter after His denial. Jesus was willing to love and forgive those who tortured Him and nailed Him to the cross. He isn’t asking us to do anything He hasn’t already done. To love as Jesus loved is to reflect His grace, mercy, and unending compassion to a world that doesn’t know Him. Make no mistake, Jesus understands how hard it is to love those who have hurt us. But love is supposed to be a characteristic of those who bear His name. We are loving because He is loving.
As you go about your day, look for opportunities to love others—not just with your words but also with your actions. Loving one another doesn’t mean we have to agree on everything, or even that we won’t have conflicts. What it does mean is that, despite our differences, we choose to see the image of God in every person and extend the same grace to them that we have received. Love is an action, not necessarily always an emotion.
In a world that often feels cold and distant, our love for one another can be a warm embrace, drawing others to the heart of Jesus. When we love with all our hearts, we become a living testimony to the world that we are His disciples. Our love becomes a beacon of hope, illuminating the way for others to experience the life-transforming power of Jesus’ life-changing love.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, help us love one another wholeheartedly, reflecting the love You have shown us through Your sacrifice. In Your name, Amen.