A New Commandment

      In John 13, Jesus taught His disciples saying, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34).

The mention of a new commandment indicates the existence of a previous one. Jesus quoted this previous commandment saying, “And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:39; Leviticus 19:18)

The old commandment was given to elevate the thinking of God’s people. They were not to look out just for their own interest, but also to be mindful of the needs of others. When one loves their neighbor as themselves, they will always seek their best interest and never do anything intentionally to harm them mentally or physically.

Jesus is now raising the bar of excellence. Instead of loving our neighbor to the same degree we love ourselves, we are to love one another as Christ has loved us. When we stop and think about how much Christ loves us, we see that His love for us is far greater that we can imagine. Therefore, let us consider the great love that Christ has for us.

Jesus left everything for us. Paul states that Jesus was equal with God in the very beginning (Philippians 2:5-8). He then illustrates that Jesus left all the heavenly glory behind to become as one of us. Then, Jesus went further by obeying God to the point of death, even the death upon the cross. He suffered through all the agony on the cross for our eternal benefit.

Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus saying, “…may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.” (Ephesians 3:18-19) We can only begin to fathom the great love Christ has for each of us.

In the early church, we find the disciples displaying that type of love for one another. Luke records, “Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.” (Acts 4:34-35)

The early church displayed great selflessness when it came to each one’s needs. They emptied themselves, just as Christ had done. They sought not their own interest but looked to help one another.

Today, when we look to the needs of others, we are fulfilling the new commandment that Christ has given. Their trouble may not be financial. They may simply need someone to listen with understanding. They may need a helping hand with a household project. Whatever form their need takes, when we show love to them, Christ is well-pleased.

God Bless each of you,

Eric Hicks