(John 13:34–35, NKJV)
“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.”
Love is at the heart of the Christian faith. When Jesus gave this commandment to His disciples, He was not simply telling them to be kind or tolerant—He was calling them to a deeper, sacrificial, and unconditional love modeled after His own. The standard is not our own measure of love, but the perfect example of Christ’s love for us.
Jesus showed us what true love looks like through His life and death. He loved the unlovable, forgave the undeserving, and served those who betrayed Him. Romans 5:8 (NKJV) reminds us, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That is the kind of love we are called to extend to others—a love that gives, forgives, and endures even when it’s difficult.
To love as Christ loved means to put others before ourselves. Philippians 2:3–5 (NKJV) says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself… Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Jesus humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant, and we are to follow His example by serving one another with humility and grace.
This love also requires forgiveness. In Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV), we are instructed, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” True love does not hold grudges or seek revenge. It releases bitterness and extends mercy, just as Christ did for us on the cross. When we forgive, we reflect the heart of God and bring healing not only to others, but to our own souls.
Another mark of Christlike love is patience and compassion. 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (NKJV) beautifully describes love’s nature: “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up… bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Loving others this way is not always easy, but the Holy Spirit empowers us to love beyond our own strength.
When we love as Jesus loved, we become His living testimony in the world. Our love reveals His presence in us. As John 13:35 declares, it is by our love that others will know we are His disciples. This love draws people to Christ more powerfully than words ever could.
Loving others as Christ loved us is a daily choice—a commitment to live selflessly, forgive freely, and serve faithfully. It means loving not only those who love us back but also those who misunderstand or mistreat us. Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you” (Matthew 5:44, NKJV).
When we love like Christ, we reflect His glory in a broken world. His love through us becomes light in the darkness, hope to the hurting, and proof of the living God who dwells within us.
Praying Boldly 