Online Bible Verses - John 13:34 - Love One Another as I Have Loved You
“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 13:34-35NIV
This theme has been coming up quite a bit recently, and understandably so. We see Christ in other areas of scripture calling love for our fellow man out as the “prime directive” of sorts.
Today we see it characterized as a glaring reflection of what we are about. In other words, anyone claiming to be a Christian should be seen by others as a person who loves and cares.
So just act in love and all bases are covered. In concept, that would seem to be quite true. In practice, it can be quite a struggle. First, just look at history. Heck, let’s look at some of my own. I’m ½ Irish, can recall seeing Irish Catholics and Protestants go at it on TV when I was little. Had no idea what it was about then, but today I am well aware of the doctrinal differences between the two. It started way back when Martin Luther did his thing and the “church” was divided. Church in quotes, the biblical definition of which would prompt another discussion we do not have time for today. Anyway, the point is here we had professed Christians literally at war with each other. What type of statement does that put out to the world? Not a good one.
Now I can apply Christ’s instruction to myself in the same way. I’m out running last Saturday, which is a miracle and gift from God given the injuries and trauma my leg has seen over the years. At that time, the Lord tells me to stop in at my friend Bill’s house to see how he is doing and pray with him. Bill, who a bit ironically, happens to be an Irishman from Boston, is very sick. He is diabetic and has recently suffered a massive heart attack. I share a lot in common with him in a unique way, so I identify with him and he has become my friend. And I do love him. But not enough. You see, if I was driven by a Christ like love all the time, I would be at Bill’s house every day. But I get tired from working and all the other stuff I have to do. It happens. It is understandable. But the point is, we still fall short.
No need to beat ourselves up too much. God’s grace is just that, as His love is perfect. But, at the same time, let’s ask Him to show us how love others in a more perfect way.
