All Things NewSample

A New Commandment

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God. (1 John 4:7)

The night before he was crucified, Jesus gathered with his disciples to observe the Passover. He had many things to share with them; he knew that the nature of their relationship would change after his resurrection. Jesus would no longer be physically among them, but as the disciples remained together, it was important for them to have strong and supportive bonds. So he emphasized the love that needed to define their relationships: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another” (John 13:34).

John elaborates on this idea in 1 John 4. God’s children must love each other. That’s a tall order sometimes: neither the people around us nor we are always lovable, but this command is still possible because God is love, and love is from God. He is the source of all love. As we abide in God, God abides in us, and his love is perfected in us. We love God because he first loved us and sent his Son to die in our place. If we don’t love others, we cannot truly know and love him.

Our love for God and others is possible because “he has given us of his Spirit” (1 John 4:13). The Holy Spirit helps us grow in our love for both God and the people in our lives. This new commandment can truly transform us and make us more loving—and more like Jesus!

Ask God to help you love him and love others as you pray.