by Pastor Kenn Curren
“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”
(John 13:34-35 The Message)
Loving one another is the simplest, clearest, and yet the hardest command of all. On the surface, it seems easy enough. We can think nice thoughts and do good deeds. We’re generally nice people, right?
But here’s the catch: Jesus doesn’t stop there. He also says, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Now, loving others is a great idea, but Jesus doesn’t say to love just any old way. He says to love like Jesus did. That’s the hard part.
We often think loving one another is easy, especially when we set boundaries. We find it easier to love people like ourselves and often consider those who are different as unworthy of God’s love. But Jesus calls us to love everyone, not just the people we already like. He calls us to love the people who do us wrong. The people the world tells us we should hate, Jesus tells us to love.
Have you ever wondered how Jesus loved? His love was pure, selfless, and without limits. He was willing to give up his life for us. He cared for the poor, sick, and suffering. He taught others about God, how to turn from our sins, and talked about eternal life. Jesus wasn’t just kind; he was compassionate to everyone, even those who were marginalized and oppressed.
True love is like that. It’s merciful, compassionate, understanding, kind, generous, and patient. We’re supposed to love others without conditions, put others needs first, and have a servant’s heart. Are we ready to be radically different and truly love each other?
Peace, Pastor Kenn