Bible Reading: 2 CHRONICLES 19, 20; JOHN 13:21-38.
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” – John 13:34 (KJV)
Love is the greatest commandment given to us in scriptures. According to Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus certified the love of God with all our hearts as the first commandment, and love of our neighbour as ourselves as the second. And again, at the last supper with His disciples, He repeated it. Whenever God commands us to do a thing He has already empowered us to do it if only we believe that word and walk with it in faith. Remember, His commandments are not grievous (1 John 5:3b) and His yoke light (Matthew 11:30).
Loving God means to keep His commandment (1 John 5:3a). It is a commandment given to Jesus’ disciples, and not to the world. The world does not understand the love Christ commanded and empowered us to manifest. We are to teach the world this love by first showing it to our brethren. By so doing, the world will be drawn to us and Christ. However, Christians are still struggling to understand and obey this command of Christ.
Jesus loved all his disciples, including Judas whom he knew would betray him. He lovingly washed Judas’ feet too! This, He did, to set an example for all His disciples, both then and now, to imitate. There are so many in the body of Christ today who need assistance but because of one weakness or the other were continually ignored. This should not be so. The world is watching to see how we practise the love among us first, as Jesus said, “By this shall men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” – John 13:35 (KJV).
This love of one to another among brethren in the body of Christ will bring us closer, bring the unbelievers closer to Christ, and ultimately bring God glory.
Prayer: Father, reveal unto me the power of love and help me to apply it in my daily walk with You.
Bro. Onyemaechi Aghanenu