John 13:34-35(KJV)
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
After Jesus had finished washing the disciples’ feet, He made it quite clear to love one another. Love is a deep affection and commitment towards another and a commandment from the mouth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is the God-approved mark of true discipleship. In other words, a distinguishing mark of being followers of Christ is a deep, sincere love for brothers and sisters in Christ. Love in the life of a Christian is not an option. And our love should reflect the love Jesus has for us. Romans 5:5 says, “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” God’s love is in us, and because we are the children of God, we can love others the way He has loved us. That is, those who love like Christ in the Holy Spirit’s power will give evidence that they are disciples of Jesus Christ. As undeserving beneficiaries of this abundant, life-changing love, we have a responsibility to extend it to those around us. As ambassadors for Christ, our love for one another should be the hallmark of everything we do.
Love is the central theme of the Christian faith and is a primary characteristic of God’s nature. It is also a powerful force on earth that makes positive contributions to the lives of others and sacrifices for one another. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 gives us a pretty exhaustive list of what our love for one another should look like. Love is patient, kind, envy, doesn’t boast, does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is slow to anger, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil, rejoices with the truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love does not fail. The Bible is full of great verses and passages about the topic of love. King Solomon says love burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame, and many waters cannot quench or sweep it away. Love is the most wondrous thing in the world because of its warmth and its all-embracing inclusiveness that takes in all kinds and conditions. It is the proof of our knowledge of God. Galatians 5:13 says, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” As true believers, saved and set free, filled with the Holy Spirit, we must still make choices in our freedom, decisions for which we will be held accountable. We can serve others with love and humility. The love that works for one another is passionate about the welfare of people. It is moved when people are under the bondage of poverty and other afflictions of the enemy. This kind of love makes us go about doing good, healing all manner of sicknesses, and delivering the oppressed of the devil(Acts 10:38).
Beloved, love people genuinely because love is critical in the life of a follower of Christ. Live with a commitment to abide in love, for when you love one another, you dwell in God because God is Love. Loving one another is your guarantee of a life of greatness, dominion, excellence, health, and ceaseless victories. Today, release love into every situation, moment, prayer, and thought until it consumes your life. As a Christian, you must always radiate the love of God with humility, kindness, patience, peace, and joy. Even in the face of the intense hatred, the world might subject you to, let all your response be motivated by love. Humanly, it is practically impossible, but with God as your Ally, you can always exhibit love. May the love of God flow freely through you into the lives of others in the Name of Jesus. Remember, Christ-like love can never be a hidden or secret thing. It must be seen by all and felt by all.
O LORD, help me to love one another. Let me be a living example of Your love in Jesus’ Name.