“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – (John 13:34-35, NIV)
“I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other just as I loved you. All people will know that you are My followers if you love each other.” – (John 13:34-35, ERV)
“Let Me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are My disciples – when they see the love you have for each other.” – (John 13:34-35, MSG)
Jesus commands us to love each other in the same way that He loves us. If we truly want to be united rather than divided, love must be the motivation for all that we say and do. As we treat one another this way, people recognize something different in us, and desire to do the same. I know that I am drawn to kind and gracious people and am repelled by those who are not. Those whom I desire to spend time with are those who love in word and action. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love, for as we do, unity is established among us and others desire to be a part of the same.
O Lord, unite us,
in goodness and love;
show us the power,
love has from above.
For as we seek You,
Your love is made plain;
You align our hearts,
to choose do the same.
Help us, Lord Jesus,
in all that we do;
may each word and deed,
clearly reflect You.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You command us to love one another and empower us to do so as we seek You. Thank You that You have shown us over and over again how love unites us together as one. Forgive us for the times that our words or actions were not loving toward each other. Teach us how to do all things in love, so that our hearts may be united in purpose. Lead us to love each other as You love us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love one another as You first loved us. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. – Ephesians 4:2
Revelations In Writing 