In John 13, we see where Jesus is setting the scene for his soon death, burial, resurrection and return to His Father. We find Him giving some instructions to His followers in verses 34 & 35: “A new commandment I give to you that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.“
The Lord begins with, “Love as we are loved,” which is a call to unity. Christ’s love for us and our willingness to love others as the Lord loved us, is Christ’s new commandment. Since His love for us is beyond our understanding of love, we need the inspiration and the power of the Holy Spirit to draw us closer to His love for us.
Jesus’ love for us is not dependent on a quality in us that makes us lovable. He loves because He is love regardless of our strengths or weaknesses. That thought may be humbling to some who want to be chosen, called, and cherished because of their human credentials of talent, personality or achievement.
Jesus’ love is not motivated by any of these human qualities, but it is grace-motivated. If we are to love in His way, we will have to take seriously that in John 14:14 we are told we must ask for it, and in v. 16 we learn that the Holy Spirit must give us the power.
In a world of quid pro quo, bartered manipulation, and facsimiles of love based on symbiosis, unity is not possible without Christ’s commandment and our willingness to receive His love for others.
You are loved, Pastor Don
Cornerstone Worship Center 