By This...

John 13

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Jesus was about to leave his disciples through his death, resurrection, and ascension.  They didn’t understand what was about to take place.  But he left them with a “new” directive – to love one another.

He was about to demonstrate the ultimate sacrifice of love – dying for the sins of the world.  His example was to lay down his life in obedience to the Father’s plan for his life. 

Jesus instructed those who followed him to love others as he did. In other words, put others and their needs ahead of your own.

Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish any difference between those who follow Christ and those who do not.  But Jesus says here that everyone will know who it is you follow IF you love one another.

Loving others takes work, forgiveness, patience, and humility, just to name a few of the heart issues necessary to love…as he loved.

As we approach the day of love on the 14^th, let’s be mindful of how to love – sacrificially, not knowing the return – except to know we’ve pleased our Father.