“A new commandment I give you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.“ John 13:34
All of us at Swift Creek are part of one family. We are all children of God and thus brothers and sisters in Christ. Because of this, our relationships should be filled with love for one another. In John 13:34, Jesus says this is a new commandment! We are in fact commanded to love one another.
How is it that people with such diverse backgrounds, various economic levels and even different races and ethnicities can live together in love? It is only because of our common dependence on Christ that we are able to love each other.
It has been said that the ground is level at the foot of the cross and this is certainly true. While we may be very different in the ways the world would judge us, each of us are equally in need of God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness. There are no “super” Christians!
We are all equally in need of Jesus to work in our lives so we should be able to overlook the superficial differences and focus on that which unites us–our common faith in Jesus.
In John 13:35 Jesus goes on to teach that “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Our witness to the world is directly tied to the love we demonstrate to one another. Let us examine our hearts and our earthly relationships to ensure they accurately reflect our status as disciples of Jesus.
“Heavenly Father, apart from your ongoing work in my life I will not be able to love others. And I certainly will not be able to love them as Jesus has loved me! Search my heart and reveal any bitterness or hostility I may have against a brother or sister in Christ. Lord, I repent of my lack of love and desire to love my church family as you have loved us – wholeheartedly and sacrificially. Let the world see You through the love I have for others!”
Reflection Questions
How does our love for one another show the world we are His disciples?
Is there anyone you have bitterness, anger or envy towards in the church family?
What should we do when these unloving attitudes and feelings come up?