The old woman sat quietly in the pew, Bible on her lap. The words of the pastor bounced off the sanctuary walls, “If you love me, keep my commandments,” Jesus had said. But which was the most important of all the commandments, she wondered.
Her weathered fingers traced the well-worn pages as she reflected on the question of ages that had engaged many minds down the centuries. And as it happens, the answer will lead us into the very heart of the Christian faith and fundamentally revolutionize what it looks and feels like to truly follow Jesus.
Key Takeaways
- The great commandment to love one another is “new” because it calls us to love as Jesus loved.
- This divine love is possible through the Holy Spirit alone.
- True joy is found in serving others in love.
- Our love for one another is what gives credence to our witness to the world.
- We must make a choice every day to walk in love.
What Is New About This Commandment?
In giving what He called a “new commandment,” Jesus took our understanding of love to an entirely new dimension. To begin with, John 13:34 (NKJV) quotes Him as saying:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
This was a revolutionary commandment because, in contrast to the Old Testament command to love, it had two significant differences:
Firstly, it focused exclusively on loving “one another” (fellow believers) rather than simply “your neighbor”. Secondly, it gave a new commandment, love others as Jesus loved us, not as we love ourselves.
This became the new order of love, only possible after Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was given to believers. This is what Romans 5:5 (NKJV) says:
“The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Such a divine enablement can give Christians the ability to love beyond human capability with a supernatural love.
The Characteristics of Christ-like Love
Selfless Nature
The love Jesus demands from us is an uncompromisingly unselfish love. Human love is always in jeopardy of demanding something in return, while divine love seeks the good of others for its own sake.
First Corinthians 13 portrays this love as patient, kind, and not self-seeking. This selfless love was embodied to perfection in Jesus Himself, who:
- Washed His disciples’ feet.
- Served those who would soon desert Him.
- Gave His life for those who were still His enemies.
Active Service
Love in action transforms giver and receiver alike. Jesus taught true joy comes through serving others. When we allow God’s love to flow through us in practical ways, we get a fulfillment from such times that surpasses anything in this world.
This can be addictive in a good way – a vicious cycle of blessing and then self-experiencing joy.
The Impact of Living Out The Great Commandment
Within the Church
When Christians truly act in love toward one another as Christ loved us, there is a sense of community present that the world can hardly know. This love does the following:
- Meets practical needs.
- Provides emotional support.
- Creates spiritual unity.
- Builds lasting relationships.
The early church did it beautifully, as recorded in Acts 2:44-45 (NKJV):
“44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”
To Those Outside
Jesus said our love for one another would be the primary way the world would recognize us as His disciples (John 13:35). This distinguishing mark:
- Attracts non-believers to Christ.
- Validates our message.
- Demonstrates the reality of God’s transforming power.
The Daily Choice Before Us
Each day we have the choice: give way to our flesh or walk in God’s love. Galatians 5:13-25 is powerful passage in the Bible because it shows so vividly the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.
As we choose to walk in love:
- We will have a joyful heart.
- Others will be blessed.
- God is glorified.
- Our faith will become genuine.
Practical Application
To live out the great commandment:
Start Each Day with Purpose
- Ask God to make you a blessing.
- Look for opportunities to serve.
- Choose to respond in love.
Practice Active Love
- Meet practical needs.
- Offer encouragement.
- Give of your time and resources.
- Forgive as Christ forgave.
Build Community
- Participate in church life.
- Support fellow believers.
- Create lasting relationships.
Conclusion
Remember, this great command is not another religious rule but the very heartbeat of authentic Christian living. When we allow God’s love to flow through us to others, we not only fulfill His command but experience the joy and purpose He intended for us.
As you go about your day, look for opportunities to love others as Christ has loved you. In doing so, you’ll discover the transformative power of this greatest of all commandments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the great commandment in the Bible?
A. The great commandment couples loving God with your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37-38) with loving your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39). Later Jesus gave a new commandment to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34).
Q. How is the new commandment different from the old?
A. It differs in standard (as Jesus has loved you) and in focus (one another). This is made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit who enables believers to live this commandment.
Q. How does this commandment get lived out practically?
A. We express this commandment in serving one another, meeting needs, forgiving one another, encouraging one another, and providing a sense of community for the local church.
Q. Why is this commandment so crucial?
A. This commandment is central to Christian faith because it demonstrates our relationship with Christ, authenticates our witness to the world and brings true joy and fulfillment.
Q. How does the Holy Spirit help us fulfill this commandment?
A. The Holy Spirit pours God’s love into our hearts (Romans 5:5), enabling us to love others with divine love that goes beyond human capability.
