A new commandment
A great topic!
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ gives his disciples a new commandment in John 13:34-35:
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
This commandment is often referred to as the "new commandment" because it is a departure from the Old Testament law, which emphasized obedience to specific rules and regulations. Instead, Jesus emphasizes the importance of loving one another as a fundamental aspect of being his disciples.
In this commandment, Jesus is not simply adding a new rule to the list of laws, but rather he is redefining what it means to be a follower of God. He is saying that the way we treat others is a reflection of our love for him, and that our love for one another is a visible demonstration of our faith in him.
This commandment is not limited to a specific group of people, but is intended for all believers. It is a call to live a life of selfless love, sacrifice, and service to others, just as Jesus did.
In practical terms, this commandment looks like:
- Showing kindness and compassion to those in need
- Forgiving others who have wronged us
- Serving others with humility and generosity
- Being patient and understanding with one another
- Putting the needs of others before our own
By following this commandment, we can demonstrate our love for God and for one another, and bring glory to God in the process.