A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” vs. 34
John 13:33-35
As it began to be obvious to the disciples that Jesus was going to be leaving them, there was undoubtedly anxiety in their hearts. How could they possibly get along without him? He was their glue. It was because of him that they had come together. Without him wouldn’t they separate and splinter? Jesus knew their hearts, but he also believed he knew how they could be united. So, he gave them his secret sauce in the form of a new commandment: it was simple, they are to love one another. But there’s a caveat! They are to love one another as he loves them! And that’s the problem. We think we know all about love; it’s the subject of songs, poems, and every mushy note written for birthdays, anniversaries, or just for the heck of it. We think we know everything about love. But do we? The love Jesus had for his disciples was sacrificial–he gave his life for them. And that’s more than sweet talk and a bouquet of roses! Real loving is tough, mainly because so many of the folks we’re supposed to love just aren’t very loveable. We might not even like them! But where disciples have taken Jesus’ words to heart and loved as he has loved, a miracle happens. Jesus is resurrected and it’s as though he never left!
Thought for the Day: Where have I experienced sacrificial love?
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