"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
First of all, Jesus extends this charge as a new commandment, but there are similar commandments given earlier in the Bible. Under Mosaic law, people were already told to love their neighbors as themselves (Leviticus 19:18). But, since this was given as a NEW commandment, there has to be something different. Jesus adds "as I have loved you." That puts a lot more impact in what our love to others should be. Christ loved us enough to die for us, give up privileges on earth, and expend His time doing things for us. He gave us everything, without reservation, and did so with a positive attitude. He befriended the lowliest sinners and people who deserved (under the old law) to be put to death. Yet, He cared for them. We're supposed to do the same. The command to love others wasn't new, but the charge to do so as Christ loves us was unparalleled.
But, how do we love one another? Jesus gave an example in Matthew 25:35-36:
"For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me."
Jesus correctly predicted people would question about when these things had actually happened, so he explained in verse 40:
"...Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
So, if we combine how Jesus treated people (loving, caring, compassionate) and how He explained these basic courtesies to others, that's a pretty good idea of what it is to love one another. Treating people with respect and being kind (even if the effort isn't returned) goes a long way towards winning people to Christ, and showing them by our actions the love of Jesus. Not only that, but Jesus explained in the next verse (John 13:35) another reason it is important to love one another:
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
If we show Christian principles by loving each other, the world will recognize something greater than our kindness. When we exemplify Christ's love in our lives, it points those around us to God. Not only are we treating people with decency and compassion, we're also witnessing for the truth. Personally, I want to be more loving and compassionate to people. It's important for our own lives, but it's also something we can do for the bigger cause of furthering the gospel. Pray for me!
Keep encouraged!
