Love One Another

An important part of Jesus’ ministry was enhancing our understanding of God’s commandments. He explained the commandment against adultery was not limited to the physical act. It was a condemnation of the lust that preceded it (Matthew 5:27-28). Likewise, the commandment against murder was not limited to the act of taking a life. The commandment condemned the hate that preceded it (Matthew 5:21-22).

Jesus also expanded our understanding of the commandment to love one another, “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another (John 13:34).

Loving someone as much as we love ourselves is a high standard. However, Jesus’ willingness to die for the ungodly raises the standard for love to a higher level. “For one will hardly die for a righteous man; … But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:7-8).

Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Jesus died for those who were not His friends. “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:10).

Because we could never fulfill God’s His commandment to love like He loved, He must enable us to do it. Paul prayed for believers, “may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another,

and for all people” (1 Thessalonians 3:12). We demonstrate our love for our fellow believers by encouraging “one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

We show His love to all people (nonbelievers) by letting them know of their need for a Savior and how they can be reconciled to God. Loving the lost is not demonstrated by accepting or approving their current condition.

Loving one another is a demonstration of our faith “By this all men will know that you are My disciples,

if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Love is an element of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” (Galatians 5:22) Jesus said “a tree is known by its fruit” (Matthew 12:33). Therefore, the good fruit of Christian love shows the world our devotion to our Lord and Savior.

Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Jesus by following His commandments. It benefits us individually by helping us overcome the power of sin in our lives. It also benefits the church by preparing us for fellowship “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified [sanctified] your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from a pure heart (1 Peter 1:22).

Love is not a fleeting emotion but a serious commandment God requires us to live out daily.