“So I give you a new command: Love each other deeply and fully. Remember the ways that I have loved you, and demonstrate your love for others in those same ways.”
--John 13:34 (VOICE)
How many times have you read this verse and not really taken in its meaning?
I know I have done so more times than I can count, which is sad because Jesus plainly gives us this instruction as a command…not a suggestion.
So why do we pass over this command so often, not following Christ’s order? I think it’s because we can get overwhelmed thinking about loving others at the depth Jesus did. Loving like Him seems too big…I mean…He died for the sins of the world, right?
But here’s the thing, Jesus doesn’t say to the disciples in John 13:34, that within us we have the ability to love at His depth. Instead He commands them (and us in turn) to REMEMBER THE WAYS He loved them; and then to demonstrate those ways (His ways) of love to others.
So here’s another question, what ways has God shown you love?
I bet you can think of a few.
Write down these ways and really meditate on them. I think after some time, you’ll find that it is indeed possible to love others in the ways Jesus has loved you. And remember, Jesus commanded this act…so that means that showing His love IS POSSIBLE for us. Because if it wasn’t, He wouldn’t have given us such a command.
Ways Jesus showed love in Scripture for you to think about:
Christ showed love through caring. Christ showed love through serving. Christ showed love through sacrifice. Christ showed love through forgiveness.
We can do this. Let’s love others like Jesus did.
