What is NEW about it?

In reflecting on this very well-known passage of scripture (John 13:33-35) I was greatly challenged around the idea of this 'new' commandment. Why did Jesus refer to it as a new commandment? If you want to get the full version of my thoughts on this, then please watch this video.

John 13:34-35 - “And so I am giving a new commandment to you now—love each other just as much as I love you. Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (Living Bible)

Tertullian reports the pagans of his day (a century after this Gospel was published) as saying of Christians, ‘See how they love one another!’” 

Living in Grace

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The character of a person

Jesus always treated people with dignity. Even if people disagreed with him, or even if Jesus challenged them, he could never be accused of treating people inhumanly. This makes Jesus more than just a good person, this makes him an inspiring leader and a person of deep character. As Simon Sinek comments:

“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.”

Most of the people who approached Jesus for help could offer him very little in return. However, he still treated them with love and respect. 

This is a great challenge for us. Too often we look down on those who can't give us something in return.

How do you feel about this?

James 3:18 - "You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor." (The Message)

Living in Grace

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Embracing the stories of others

"As an expression of loving God and loving others, a spiritually formed person embraces the stories of others who love Jesus." - Scot McKnight

I found this quote deeply profound because it challenges me to love others, especially those "others" who love Jesus. It is a call not just to love others, but to also listen to their stories. In fact, it is probably best to listen to the stories of the "other" first - this usually opens the heart to love them more sincerely.

It is easier to ignore someone when you don't know their "story", but it is compelling for us to care for people when we know something of their story.

What do you think?

James 1:19 -  My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

Living in Grace
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Love

"My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him" - 1 John 4:7-8 (Message)

May God bless you as you reflect on this powerful portion of the Bible.

Living in Grace
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