“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 13:34-35
“A new commandment” since God had previously commanded His people to love others. Moses said, “Love your neighbor as yourself” in Leviticus 19:18. But Jesus now says the new standard is “as I have loved you”. Jesus’ sacrificial love sets a far higher standard than anything before. Genuine faith in Christ shows itself in brotherly love.
“By this” indicates unbelievers recognize Jesus’ disciples not by their doctrinal distinctives, nor by dramatic miracles, nor even by their love for the lost. They recognize His disciples by their deeds of love for one another. The early church certainly caught hold of this fantastic principle of love. One author called this “The Mark of a Christian.”
Disciples cannot follow Christ to the cross, but He asks us to imitate His love for us as we love one another. Christians bring dishonor to Christ and His love when we deal with one another in a loveless manner. Christ redeemed us through His self-sacrificial love that we may in turn imitate His love.
God’s blessings on your day…