Love One Another

There is so much “meat” in Jesus’ words that are found in John’s Gospel for Maundy Thursday! I want to focus on Jesus’ new commandment:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:34-35).”

His disciples and those who have followed are to have love in their forethought. Not a wishy, washy sense of do-goodness, but a full court press of love for each other.

Jesus said, “My command is this: Love each as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.(John 15:13-15).”

As we venture through Holy Week and the upcoming resurrection, through the Easter Season, remember these words of Jesus. Keep them close in your heart and your actions as you reach out to your neighbor, those that suffer, and all those you see.

Love others this week; love next week; love every week! Say “yes” to love. Perhaps we feel incapable to love in this full court press sort of way. Perhaps we come from a broken home, or a broken marriage. Look for Jesus in the Gospels to mirror in your life.

Lord, thank you for giving us God in the flesh, Jesus. Help us demonstrate love in tangible ways, and help us to keep this commandment. During this Holy Week and beyond; provide us with understanding of the depth of your love, your forgiveness, and especially the sacrifice of Jesus. In His name, Amen.