You are commanded to love.

JAN. 7, 2025

You are commanded to love.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another." Jn 13:34 NKJV

Love is not an emotion, because you cannot command someone to feel a certain way.

Loving someone is a choice that manifests itself in your attitudes and actions toward that person. Jesus said, "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" (vv. 34-35 NKJV). 

Jesus called this "a new commandment." What's new about it? These words: "as I have loved you." Since Christ lives in you, you can love others with His love. Jesus always put His disciples first-washing their feet, saving them from storms, patiently teaching them. He didn't look out for number one; He looked out for the twelve. 

You say, "But how can I love someone I don't even like?" Jesus answers, "As I have loved you." C. S. Lewis tells of how he came to view others' faults differently: "There is someone I love, even though I don't approve of what he does. There is someone I accept, though some of his thoughts and actions revolt me. There is someone I forgive, though he hurts the people I love the most. That person is me...lf I can love myself without approving of all I do, I can also love others without approving of all they do." And what Jesus commands you to do, He empowers you to do: "The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Ro 5:5 NKJV).

You are commanded to love

"You are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

Share This Devotional