Love for My Christian Neighbor

Hear Jesus’ words:

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)

Note three things that are happening in Jesus’ words.

First off, Jesus is specifically addressing those who follow him. The ‘you’ who is receiving the new command is his disciples. He is spending time talking with them near the end of his earthly life, and focusing them in on their relationship with one another.

Secondly, Jesus is specifically calling his followers to show forth his love by loving one another. He is saying that the world’s understanding of his love is powerfully expressed by how his followers love one another. His followers love is to reflect his love, which is divine.

Thirdly, Jesus is saying that His followers will be identified by their love for one another. The clearest sign to others that we are followers of Jesus is that we love one another. The new command that Jesus is giving will be the identity card for his followers. If we love one another, we are seen to follow him. If we fail in that, then . . . no one can make the connection.

So, love your neighbor as yourself and your neighbor is your Christian brothers and sisters.