How can we practically "love one another" in our daily interactions today? The Command Introduced “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another.” (John 13:34) Love Defined by Jesus • Sacrificial—He “laid down His life for us” (1 John 3:16). • Serving—He washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:12-15). • Steadfast—Nothing “can separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:38-39). • Sincere—“Let love be without hypocrisy” (Romans 12:9). • Sanctifying—He speaks truth that sets free (John 8:32). Daily Expressions in Words • Speak life-giving words that build up, “according to the need” (Ephesians 4:29). • Offer gentle answers that turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). • Bless rather than curse, even toward those who oppose (Romans 12:14). Daily Expressions in Actions • Small acts of service—carry someone’s load, run an errand, give a ride (Galatians 6:2). • Generosity—share possessions freely, following the early church model (Acts 2:44-45). • Hospitality—open the home without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9). • Practical help—meals, childcare, repairs; love is “in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Love in the Family • Honor marriage vows with faithfulness and tenderness (Ephesians 5:25-28). • Nurture children “in the discipline and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). • Show respect to parents and older relatives (1 Timothy 5:4). Love in the Church Body • Regular fellowship—“not neglecting to meet together” (Hebrews 10:25). • Mutual encouragement—“stirring up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). • Forgiveness—bear with and forgive each other as Christ forgave (Colossians 3:13). Love at Work or School • Work “heartily, as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23), serving colleagues with integrity. • Refuse gossip; guard another’s reputation (Proverbs 11:13). • Practice fairness and kindness toward subordinates (Ephesians 6:9). Love Toward the Needy and Stranger • Feed the hungry, clothe the poor, visit the sick and imprisoned (Matthew 25:35-40). • Show kindness to immigrants and outsiders; “some have entertained angels” (Hebrews 13:2). • Give without expecting return; “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). Love When Wronged • “Do not repay anyone evil for evil” (Romans 12:17). • Overcome evil with good, leaving vengeance to God (Romans 12:19-21). • Pray for persecutors and do good to them (Matthew 5:44). Source and Strength for Love • The Holy Spirit “pours out God’s love into our hearts” (Romans 5:5). • Love is the first fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). • Remaining in Christ produces abiding love (John 15:4-12). Living the Command Consistent, Spirit-empowered, tangible choices display the love Christ commands. Each ordinary interaction becomes an opportunity to reflect His sacrificial, serving, steadfast, sincere love—fulfilling His words, “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) |
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