“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34).
Jesus was talking to His disciples when He said, “Love one another.” He had just told them that they could not go with Him, but then He added something special, meant only for those who would follow Him—those who would declare that they would follow Him even to death. “Love one another. Treat each other with love.”
He didn’t say this because, as His disciples, they already showed love for one another. No, they were still immature and carnal. The disciples acted much like we do. They had differences of opinion and different backgrounds and customs. They expected a variety of reactions, rewards, and experiences from the Lord, and He knew that.
He knew and loved each one, as He had made them. Jesus realized that human beings often don’t understand and appreciate others who don’t see things their way or act like themselves. He knew that they naturally valued their own opinions and habits more than those of other people.
So He said, “Love one another.” By loving one another, there would be evidence that they were His followers.
We need this word from the Lord today. Too often, consciously or subconsciously, we let minor differences separate us. We criticize and distrust each other on the basis of temperament, experience, or methods. Does not this at least raise a question about our claim to be His disciples? Do we choose to remain carnal and let the old nature rule in our reactions?
Let us determine, as He appealed to His contemporary friends, to love one another, to truly love, appreciate, and care for one another regardless of variations in our cultures or the basic makeup of our personalities. KLB
