“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35, NKJV)

In a sense this commandment is an old one, but for Christ’s disciples it was new, because it was the mark of their brotherhood, created by Christ’s great love for them. Love is the distinguishing mark of Christ’s followers, at the same time, the disciples loving one another is in preparation for Jesus’ departure. This “new commandment” is based on Leviticus 19:18, “…love your neighbor as yourself;” but “your neighbor” has changed to “one another” (fellow disciples or believer), and “as yourself” has changed to “as I (Jesus) have loved you” that is, to the extent of sacrificing your own life when necessary.

In our case, we are to befriend each other in trials; be careful of each other’s feelings and reputation and deny ourselves to promote each other’s welfare. This is indeed a new expression of love; and it showed the strength of attachment which we ought to have for Christians, and how ready we should be to endure hardships, to encounter dangers, and to practice self-denial, to benefit those for whom Jesus laid down his life.

Our love for each other shall be so decisive evidence that we are followers of Jesus. It shall be the mark by which we shall be known among men.

Sources:

Gundry, Robert H. A Survey of the New Testament. Third Edition. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc., 2002.

MySword for Android. Riversoft Ministry, 2011-2019.

The NKJV Bible.

Zondervan NASB Study Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1999.

http://www.biblegateway.com

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