Christian Love

The Book of John gives us a look at how we are to treat each other. In John 13:34 & 35 Jesus gives us a new commandment, and gives us a test of Discipleship. In John 14:21 Jesus tells us That "he who has my commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me". John 15:12 " This is My commandment that you love one another as I have loved you." In 14:15 Jesus said " If you love Me, keep My commandments". All of these verses are Jesus speaking, they are not an option, but a commandment.

The body of Christ must commit this as a way of behaving. Jesus said that his disciples would be known by their love for one another. Are we known for our love, true agape love? To many times we get into arguments over small things. These disputes, unkind criticism, schism, and defamation of character are not what Jesus wants from us. In John 14:24 Jesus says " he who does not love Me does not Keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent me'. Are we keeping His word?

Jesus loved us with an unconditional love. His love was always to provide the best to others. Our priority is to love one another, all of the body of Christ, not just those we attend church with. Jesus did not die for a individual church, but all who call on His name in true repentance. We can not be His with out this love for each other. We cause many to fall away with our petty arguments. Many sinners look at us and say there is nothing but strife among them, why join them. Why become a Christian, there is no love or peace.

Remember that Jesus suffered for us. The love He showed for us is the love we are to give to one another. We are to bear with other's sins, with stabbing remarks and treatment. This is hard for us to do, but as we are a temple of the Holy Spirit we can. His love has been poured out into our hearts and we can ask Him for his grace and guidance to love as Jesus did. Jesus said in John 15:14 " you are My friends if you do whatever I command you." Would He call us His friend? I pray He would call me His friend.