Online Articles
Love One Another
I watched a ball game on TV the other day. As I watched the game, there was no doubt which team was my team. I could identify my team by their colors, the uniform, the players, the team logo, and the player tendencies among other things.
God’s commandment to love one another is an identifier to the world of who we serve and what He has done for us. John 13:34-35 reads, “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. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Jesus spoke these words to His disciples. He knew the coming struggles of the early church. He understood that His example of love would be essential as there would be differences between the early Christians. His words remain as a powerful reminder of the importance of loving one another.
The command to “love one another” may seem simple on the surface, but it is a profound call to action that has far-reaching implications for our lives. It is not just about feeling affection for others or doing nice things for them; it is about actively seeking their well-being and putting their needs before our own. This kind of love requires us to be selfless, patient, forgiving, and it can be challenging to put into practice.
However, the rewards of loving one another are immeasurable. When we show love to others, we are fulfilling our purpose as followers of Christ, and we are reflecting the love that God has for us. Love is the foundation of our relationship with God and with each other, and it is what binds us together as believers.
In John 13:34-35, Jesus sets a high standard for what it means to love one another. He says that we are to love others just as He has loved us, which is a tall order considering the depth and breadth of Jesus' love for us. His love was sacrificial, unconditional, all-encompassing, and it was demonstrated in His death on the cross (1 John 4:7-11).
To love one another as Jesus loved us means that we must be willing to make sacrifices for others, even if it means putting our own needs and desires aside. It means that we must be willing to forgive those who have wronged us and to show kindness to those who may not deserve it. It means that we must be willing to love even those who are different from us, whether it be in race, age, or social status.
In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul gives us a great illustration of what God’s love is. Paul had the gift of prophecy, understanding of all mysteries, and all knowledge. He had a faith that could move mountains. Even so, Paul understood that without love he was nothing (1 Cor 13:1-2). In verses 4-8 Paul describes what God’s love towards one another should be.
One of the most powerful aspects of the command to love one another is the impact it can have on the world around us. Jesus says that by our love for one another, all people will know that we are His disciples. This means that our love for each other is a witness to the world of the truth of the Gospel. When we love one another, we are living out the very essence of Christianity and demonstrating the transformative power of God's love.
In a world that is often marked by division, conflict, and hatred, the call to love one another is more important than ever. We are bombarded with messages that tell us to put ourselves first, to look out for our own interests, and to be suspicious of those who are different from us. But Jesus’ command to love one another cuts through all of that noise and invites us to a better way of living.
When we love one another, we are building bridges instead of walls. We are creating a sense of unity and belonging that transcends all of our differences. We are showing the world that there is a different way to live, a way that is marked by compassion, kindness, and grace.
Of course, loving one another is not always easy. There will be times when we are hurt or disappointed by others, when we feel like giving up, or when we don’t know how to love someone who is difficult to love. But even in those moments, we can turn to God for help and strength.
As we continue becoming one this year, love will need to be paramount amongst us. Love is profound. Love is powerful. It can unite us in ways nothing else can. Much like watching a ball game, as we love one another, the world will know without a doubt who we belong to. Let us pray for the wisdom and grace to love as Jesus loved, and let us trust that God will give us what we need.
