Love One Another
Jesus gave a new command to His disciples toward the end of His life. He said to them…
“A new commandment I give you 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.”
John 13:34-35 ESV
John later wrote to Christians reminding them of this command. He said...
“And now I ask you … that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments: this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning so that you should walk in it.”
2 John 1:5-6 ESV
John taught that it was an act of love when Christians obeyed Jesus by loving one another.
This was important because it would show the world that they were His disciples. Christ-followers who loved one another despite their differences in race, country, background, and experience showed how much the saving grace and love of Jesus could change and save people.
This is still a command for us.
The love we have for one another is vital to what others see when they look at Jesus' followers. If people who don’t believe in Jesus see Christians loving each other in the midst of difficult or violent times, it will be a picture of the love God has for all of us.
It’s while we were still sinners that Christ died for us. It’s while we were apart from God that He loved us. He loved us enough to die for us. This is the kind of love we are to have for one another.
So think of some ways you can show love to other believers in Jesus. By doing so, you will obey your Lord Jesus and you will be walking in His ways.
Reflecting on Jesus' command to "love one another," I've found that this directive isn't just about good feelings but active, intentional living. In my own journey, loving others—especially those different from me—has demanded patience and humility. One challenge I faced was loving those with opposing views within my community. It was uncomfortable, but remembering Jesus' unconditional love helped me act with kindness, even when disagreements arose. Through small actions like listening without judgment and offering support, I noticed relationships deepening and true fellowship forming. The verse from 2 John 1:6 encourages us to "walk according to His commandments," implying love is a way of life, not a one-time gesture. Prayer has also been a powerful tool; asking God to fill me with His love makes it easier to love others genuinely, reflecting Christ's grace. Moreover, demonstrating love publicly during times of conflict or hardship serves as a beacon to those outside the faith. I've seen how small acts—sharing a meal, lending a hand, offering forgiveness—can speak louder than words, painting a picture of God's transformative love. Ultimately, loving one another as Jesus loved transforms communities. My experience shows that practicing this love requires vulnerability but yields incredible joy and unity, proving that living out Jesus' new commandment continues to change lives today.
