Jesus says, “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 NASB

With all that’s been going on- the hate, the injustices, the prejudices we hold, the marginalization of people – we have got to learn to love like Jesus, because all day long we have to make choices. We either respond in love or we react in anger. We might say,” I’m not angry, I’m just frustrated.” But what does it really look like to others? John 13:35 NLT tells us, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Here are some things that I believe we need to know about this love and then put into practice:

  1. It’s a love that comes from God. If we are ever going to fix what’s going on, it’s going to have to start with God. God is love. 1 John 4:7 NLT says, “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.”
  2. It’s a love that gives. It goes the extra mile. There are a lot of takers, but we are to be givers. Philippians 2:3-5 NLT tells us, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
  3. It’s a love that forgives. In other words, you don’t go around with a chip on your shoulder taking up offenses. Ephesians 4:2 NLT says, “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
  4. It’s a love that covers. Proverbs 10:12 NASB tells us, “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions.” In other words, it doesn’t go around gossiping and exposing each other sins.

I want to close with this question. Do the people in your life know that you love God? They should! People will know what you truly love. It cannot be hidden.