Jesus gave some of the simplest yet most challenging teachings in human history. When he told his disciples to love one another as he loved them, it seemed straightforward enough. But understanding what that radical, sacrificial love looked like and actually living it out would prove to be far more difficult. This new command to love would transform the early church and change the world. Yet it remained as challenging as ever.
The command to love one another covers everything from how we treat our spouses and children to how we interact with strangers and even our enemies. Love rooted in Jesus’ self-sacrifice turns cultural norms on their head and demands patience, kindness, forgiveness and truth. But broken people like us cannot do any of this without Jesus’ help.
- Jesus commands his disciples to love one another as he has loved them. This is a new commandment in that the standard is Jesus’ own love.
- The disciples’ love for one another will show the world that they are Jesus’ disciples. A lack of love casts doubt on their status as his followers.
- Jesus’ sacrificial love for his disciples sets the standard for how they should love each other. His love was willing self-sacrifice for their good.
- Loving one another is of the utmost importance. The early church leaders like Peter, Paul and John saw love as a top priority.
- For the disciples to love as Jesus commanded will require Jesus’ help and power. They cannot do it on their own. They need his grace and strength.
- Love will require things like patience, kindness, forgiveness, truthfulness, hope and believing the best of others. The characteristics of love are outlined in 1 Corinthians 13.
The call to love like Jesus loves requires a change of heart and mind that only Jesus can bring. It demands admitting our own failings and shortcomings, seeking Jesus’ help to break free from them, and relying on his grace and strength moment by moment. There is no “loving enough” without Jesus; we can only do our best with his power within us.
So do not be discouraged by how far short you fall. Focus instead on Jesus, the author and perfecter of love. Draw near to him in prayer and through his word. Ask him to fill you with his Spirit and make his love flow through you. Then watch for opportunities to love those around you, not out of your own strength, but by his.
The world needs to see a community that truly loves like Jesus commanded. With his help, that community can begin with you. Will you take that first step of surrender, and trust him to help you love as you’ve been loved?