A new commandment i give you love one another
A beautiful and powerful verse!
"New commandment" refers to Jesus' teaching in John 13:34-35, where He says:
"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."
In this passage, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of love among His followers. He's not introducing a new law or rule, but rather a new way of living that reflects His own character and love for humanity.
This commandment is often referred to as the "new commandment" because it's a departure from the Old Testament's focus on obedience to laws and regulations. Instead, Jesus is calling His followers to a life of love, compassion, and selflessness.
The phrase "just as I have loved you" is particularly significant. Jesus is saying that His love for His disciples is the model for how they should love one another. He's not asking them to love each other in a superficial or conditional way, but rather to love each other with the same depth, sincerity, and sacrifice that He has shown them.
This commandment has far-reaching implications for how we live our lives and interact with others. It's a call to put the needs of others before our own, to forgive and be forgiven, and to show kindness and compassion to all people.
As Jesus said, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." When we love each other as Jesus has loved us, we become a reflection of His character and a witness to His love to the world.