Love as I have Loved - Lent 2020
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34
Jesus gave us a new command, and it’s a hard one to live up to! "As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
It is hard to love one another because we are sinful, selfish humans. We look at people through our human filters and often get overwhelmed by the mess in their lives. We think about the hassle and time needed to help those in need and let it get in the way of simply loving one another.
Jesus was human, too, but He didn’t let that stop Him from loving us. He didn’t turn away from our mess, he jumped right into it and joined us. This is exactly how we are supposed to treat each other. We should look through Jesus’ eyes and see the needs around us, instead of the mess and hassle. Only once we have put the needs of others ahead of our own selfishness can we truly love one another as He has loved us! Then we will truly be His disciples!
Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Jesus still loves us and always will! Now let us love one another!
Dear Jesus, give us your eyes to see the hurt and need around us. Help us to reach out to others with the love, grace, and selflessness you showed us by going to the cross. Thank you for freeing me in order to serve others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.