How can we encourage others to follow the command in John 13:34? The Command Revisited “ ‘A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another.’ ” (John 13:34) Seeing Jesus’ Example Clearly • He loved sacrificially—laying down His life (John 15:13). • He loved unconditionally—washing Judas’ feet moments before betrayal (John 13:5, 11). • He loved proactively—“while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). • He loved faithfully—never abandoning His own (Hebrews 13:5). Practical Ways to Model the Command • Lead with visible acts of service—simple chores, rides, meals. People imitate what they see. • Speak words that edify—replace sarcasm with sincere affirmation (Ephesians 4:29). • Forgive quickly and verbally—showing grace teaches grace (Colossians 3:13). • Share material resources—generosity declares that love costs something (1 John 3:17–18). • Invest time—be fully present; love rarely works on a tight schedule. • Celebrate obedience—publicly acknowledge when you see others loving well; honor fuels imitation (Romans 12:10). Cultivating a Culture of Christlike Love 1. Anchor gatherings in Scripture—read passages like 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 aloud so love remains the standard. 2. Test every plan and program with the question, “Does this help us love one another better?” 3. Pair mature believers with newer ones—love is often learned through mentoring (Titus 2:3-7). 4. Create venues for testimonies—stories of tangible love stir fresh obedience (Psalm 66:16). 5. Correct lovingly and promptly—truth spoken in love keeps relationships clear (Ephesians 4:15). Scripture-Fueled Motivation • We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). • Love fulfills the whole law (Romans 13:10). • Love is the firstlisted fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). • Love authenticates discipleship to the watching world (John 13:35). Remaining Rooted in the Gospel Continual reflection on Christ’s cross keeps love from becoming mere duty. • Meditate daily on passages such as Isaiah 53, Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 12:2. • Let communion visibly rehearse His sacrifice; remind each other that the bread and cup empower present-tense love (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Sing hymns and songs that exalt the Lamb; melody plants doctrine in the heart (Colossians 3:16). As believers embody and celebrate these truths, encouragement to obey John 13:34 spreads naturally, and a community marked by Christlike love becomes its own unmistakable testimony. |
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