Love One Another: A Transformed Commandment John 13:34-35 Series

Love One Another: A Transformed Commandment

Introduction:

Today we embark on a journey of understanding the transformative power of love, as commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ. In John 13:34-35, Jesus delivers a profound directive to His disciples, laying the foundation for genuine Christian community. Let us explore how this commandment, rooted in truth, has the power to transform lives and relationships.

Point 1: The Command of Love

John 13:34-35 (NLT) "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

Jesus issues a revolutionary commandment, elevating love to the pinnacle of Christian virtue. This command goes beyond mere affection; it calls for sacrificial, selfless love—the same love demonstrated by Christ on the cross. It's a love that transcends boundaries and extends to all, marking the essence of true discipleship.

Jesus, in these words, establishes love as the defining characteristic of His followers. It's not merely an emotion but a commandment to actively love others as He has loved us. This love is meant to be radical, sacrificial, and unconditional.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer beautifully captures this truth, "Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. No Christian community is more or less than this."

1 John 4:7 (NLT) "Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God."

John emphasises that love originates from God Himself. It's not just an earthly virtue but a divine attribute that reflects our relationship with Him. Loving others is evidence of our connection with God.

Point 2: The Witness of Love

John 13:35 (NLT) "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

Jesus emphasises the transformative impact of love on the world. Genuine love among believers serves as a powerful testimony to the reality of Christ's presence and the truth of His teachings. It is through our love for one another that the world sees the authenticity of our faith and the redemptive power of Christ.

Martin Luther King Jr. eloquently stated, "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."

1 Peter 4:8 (NLT) - "Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins."

Peter underscores the significance of love within the Christian community. This love isn't superficial but profound, capable of forgiving and reconciling. It's a love that extends grace and mercy, reflecting God's own love for us.

Point 3: The Practice of Love

1 John 3:18 (NLT) "Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions."

Love is not merely a sentiment but a tangible expression demonstrated through our actions. As followers of Christ, we are called to actively love others, not just in word but in deed. This entails compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and service—the very characteristics exemplified by Jesus Himself.

John challenges us to move beyond words and into action. Love isn't just about verbal expressions; it's about tangible deeds that demonstrate genuine care and concern for others. It's about living out the truth of our love through our conduct.

"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving."

Galatians 5:13 (NLT) "For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love."

Paul speaks of the freedom we have in Christ, which includes freedom from the burden of legalism. This freedom empowers us to love authentically, without the constraints of rules and regulations. It's a liberation to love as Christ loved us.

Conclusion:

In summary, these passages emphasise the central importance of love in the life of a believer. It's not just a sentiment but a commandment and a mark of discipleship. Love originates from God, covers sin, requires action, and is facilitated by the freedom we have in Christ. As we embrace and embody this transformative love, we fulfil the essence of our faith and bear witness to the reality of God's presence in our lives.

As we reflect on the transformative commandment of love, let us commit to embodying Christ's love in our lives. May our love for one another be a shining beacon of God's truth and grace to a world in need. Let us go forth, transformed by the truth of Christ's love, and let our actions testify to the reality of His presence in our midst.

Application:

Take time this week to reflect on how you can demonstrate Christ-like love to those around you. Whether through acts of kindness, forgiveness, or service, let your love be a tangible expression of God's transformative power.