John 13:34-35
In the first part of this lesson we examined the text and defined the kind of love Jesus has commanded of us. If we wish to manifest this kind of love in our lives, where do we begin? Consider this love as being developed. We are taught by God in His word with examples like the Thessalonians which excelled in this love - 1 Th 4:9-10"Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more,". For they had been “taught by God to love one another”. Certainly God’s own love for us teaches us how to love - 1 Jn 4:9-11"In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." -- Think of the Father's own sacrificial love for us, in sending His Son to be the propitiation for our sins!
We also learn from Jesus. Jesus’ own example of sacrifice teaches the true meaning of love - 1 Jn 3:16 "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." The more we contemplate upon the example of Jesus’ life and death, the more likely we will love like He did!
We are to be stirred up by our brethren. We are to stir one another to love and good works - He 10:24"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,". An important means of doing this is by frequent assembling - He 10:25 "not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." -- Perhaps one reason why some don’t love as they should, is because they don’t assemble like they should!Through careful study the Father’s love for us, the Savior’s love for us, and through frequent assembling where we stir up one another to love and good works, we can develop the kind of love “By Which All Will Know” we are Jesus' disciples.
Finally, a thought or two about to whom we demonstrate this love. In our assemblies when we are assembled and have guests, we have an opportunity to demonstrate our love another. What do our guests see? Do they see Christians who are glad to see one another? Do they see Christians who are willing to take the time to visit with each other? Do they even know each other’s name? -- Our assemblies may be the only time some guests have the opportunity to see Christians interact; do they see an evident love and concern for one another?
In our community we often have the opportunity to be together in ways that others can see... Perhaps we work with other Christians. Or we have neighbors that are Christians. Or we gather to visit, or do things together. What do those in the world see? Do they see an interaction that reveals a strong love and appreciation for one another? Do they see an interaction that shows a sincere interest in each other’s well-being? Where there are differences, is the way we handle them different? Christians will often sin against one another, offend one another. Or will our community see long-suffering and a quickness to forgive, even as Christ forgave us? - Ep 4:32 "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."; Co 3:13 "bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Jesus has revealed a powerful tool to persuade the world that we are His disciples... Certainly we show our discipleship by faithfulness to His doctrine - Jn 8:32"and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."' But in a world that cares little for doctrinal distinctiveness, a Christ- like love for one another is how Jesus would have us convince the world! - Jn 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."'How is your love for your brother in Christ? Is it Christ-like, in other words, a sacrificial love? Is it observable, in other words, do people see your brotherly love in our assemblies and community?If you admit your love for your brethren needs work (we all can improve) look to God and Jesus as the ultimate teachers of what it means to love one another. Utilize opportunities to be with brethren which provides occasion to grow and display your love. Which can serve to stir you to love and good works - He 10:24-25.
“...By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn 13:35)
“ Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 Jn 4:11)
