Today's Reading: Old Testament: Exodus 33-34
New Testament: John 13
Focus Verses: John 13:34-35
34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Insight:
Jesus calls his followers to love each other. The love he commands is the same love he has exemplified. Following Jesus means loving like Jesus. This type of love is the true mark of the true disciple. 1 John 2:5-6 5 "But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."
Response and Action:
If I am to love others as Jesus loves, I will need to know and understand Jesus' love. I must read, study, and contimplate all that the scriptures reveal about his example of what love should be. I cannot emulate something I do not know. Since mature followers of Jesus should be loving as he loves, there is much to be gained from following their example too. I will pay attention to the lives and actions of those who have been following Christ for a long time. Those who are mature and committed and growing in their walk with Jesus are a tangible example of what Jesus' love looks like in my world. I will copy them as they copy Christ.
O Lord, help me to know and understand the love of Jesus. Help me to experience it. Help me to share it. Help me live out love in such a way that it is clear to all around me that I am following Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs: 21:3
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
Resources:
This is the Testimony: CSF Scripture Songs Vol. 1
John 13:34-35 Scripture Song
