What does "as I have loved you" mean in our daily relationships? The Command Straight from Jesus “ A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.” (John 13:34) • This is not a suggestion; it is a literal command. • The measure is Christ’s own love—nothing less. • Our relationships are to mirror the way He loved, in motive and in action. How Jesus Has Loved Us • Sacrificially – “Christ died for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8) • Self-forgetfully – “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28) • Patiently – He bore with the disciples’ faults (Luke 22:24-32). • Unconditionally – “Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39) • Purposely – His love aims at our holiness and good (Ephesians 5:25-27). Core Traits We Are to Imitate • Initiative – Love starts with us, not the other person’s performance. • Cost – Real love pays a price in time, pride, convenience, or resources. • Consistency – The tone of daily life, not just heroic moments. • Truth – Never excusing sin; speaking “the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15) • Grace – Covering offenses, granting forgiveness, offering fresh starts. Practical Daily Outworkings • Words – Speak blessing, not sarcasm (Ephesians 4:29). – Encourage visibly and specifically. • Listening – Give full attention, set aside the phone, hear the heart (James 1:19). • Service – Look for unnoticed chores, errands, burdens to lift (Galatians 5:13). • Generosity – Share material goods and time; hold possessions loosely (1 John 3:17). • Forgiveness – Cancel the debt because Christ canceled yours (Colossians 3:13). Where This Love Shows Up • Marriage – Lead, submit, and serve with the cross as your pattern (Ephesians 5:22-33). • Parenting – Discipline and nurture in patience, not exasperation (Ephesians 6:4). • Church Family – Bear one another’s burdens; refuse gossip; practice hospitality (Galatians 6:2; 1 Peter 4:9). • Workplace – Perform tasks “as unto the Lord,” treating co-workers with dignity (Colossians 3:23-24). • Community – Bless neighbors, show kindness to strangers, advocate for the vulnerable (Luke 10:36-37). Power to Live It Out • Indwelling Spirit – “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 5:5) • Renewed Mind – Soak in Scripture daily; let truth reshape reactions (Romans 12:2). • Body Life – Fellowship strengthens obedience; isolation weakens it (Hebrews 10:24-25). A Watching World “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) When we love as He loved, we become living proof of the gospel—bright, unmistakable, and irresistible. |
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