New commandment of love
The "new commandment of love" 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 as a distinguishing characteristic of his followers. He is not abolishing the Old Testament commandments, but rather adding a new one that is central to the Christian faith.
The "new commandment of love" is often summarized as follows:
- Love one another (John 13:34)
- Love as I have loved you (John 13:34)
- Love with the same kind of love that Jesus has shown us (John 15:12-13)
This commandment is not just a feeling or an emotion, but a deliberate choice to act with kindness, compassion, and selflessness towards others. It is a choice to put the needs of others before our own, to forgive and to serve, and to show God's love to the world.
The "new commandment of love" is not limited to our relationships with other Christians, but is a call to love all people, regardless of their background, beliefs, or actions. It is a call to love our enemies, to love those who are difficult to love, and to love those who are in need.
In practical terms, the "new commandment of love" might look like:
- Showing kindness and compassion to those who are struggling
- Forgiving those who have wronged us
- Serving others without expecting anything in return
- Listening to and understanding others, even when we disagree
- Praying for those who are in need
- Showing hospitality and generosity to those who are in need
The "new commandment of love" is a challenging and transformative commandment that requires us to put God's love at the center of our lives. It is a commandment that has the power to change us and to change the world.