A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. – John 13:34
Loving others is not a new commandment, as it was a part of the Moral laws(Leviticus 19:18) presented by God to the people of Israel through Moses. But the new commandment which Jesus is giving to His disciples is to love others as He loved us. This is quite unique and revolutionary.
The Greek word for ’Love’ used in this verse is ‘Agape’ which is well known as Godly love. But, what is God’s love? God’s love is a sacrificial love, unconditional love, unending love and an unmatched love. He demonstrated His love on the cross by dying for unworthy sinful people like us, to redeem us! Now, we are called to love others with this kind of love! Doesn’t it sound impossible? Yes, it is humanly impossible. So, we need the Spirit of God to daily empower us and transform us, to love others like Christ does.
Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. – John 13:35