Commanded to Love
“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.” John 13:34
Love is not an emotion, because you cannot command someone to feel a certain way. Loving someone is a choice that manifests itself in your attitudes and actions toward that person. Jesus said, “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.” (vv. 34-35). Jesus called this “a new commandment.” What’s new about it? These words: “as I have loved you.”
Since Christ lives in you, you can love others with His love. Jesus always put His disciples first—washing their feet, saving them from storms, patiently teaching them. He didn’t look out for number one; He looked out for the twelve. You say, “But how can I love someone I don’t even like?” Jesus answers, “As I have loved you.”
C. S. Lewis tells of how he came to view others’ faults differently: “There is someone I love, even though I don’t approve of what he does. There is someone I accept, though some of his thoughts and actions revolt me. There is someone I forgive, though he hurts the people I love the most. That person is me…If I can love myself without approving of all I do, I can also love others without approving of all they do.” And what Jesus commands you to do, He empowers you to do: “The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5 NKJV).
PRAYER: Dear God, Thank You for the love you pour into me. Help me to pour into others, as You have poured into me. In Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
Responses