JOHN 13:34.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

TO PONDER

If there was ever a part of the Bible that dispels the idea that 'love' is some warm fuzzy feeling of attraction between two people I think this would have to be it. After all, if Jesus can command that we love one another, this assumes that love is something that we choose to either do or not do. Surely Jesus would not command us to love one another if that romantic kind of love was a prerequisite. After all we can't manufacture those feelings, we either have those feelings toward someone or we don't.

The love Jesus is commanding his followers to show to one another is the kind of love Jesus himself showed to every person he encountered during his life here on earth. I life lived in service to others. A love that was evident in the way he gave time, gave energy, and ultimately gave himself for those he loved. Even love for his enemies was on display when he asked for their forgiveness while hanging on the cross.

Jesus simply asks that we seek to do for others what he did for us. Live our lives in such a way that everything we do and say communicates to others, the love that God has for them. That's how Jesus loved and that's how he asks you to love also.

PRAYER: Loving Heavenly Father, Thank you that you have given me an example of love which I can try to emulate. Please forgive me when my attempts to love others as you have loved me fail and created in me each day a new heart dedicated to sharing your love with all. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle