In his booklet on John 13:34-35 entitled “The Mark of a Christian,” Francis Shaeffer called love ‘the final apologetic.’ The love of Christians for one another should be the distinguishing mark by which the world recognizes us as followers of Jesus. Such mutual interest in and concern for each other will arrest the attention of … Continue reading Reflections on Jesus’ New Commandment
new commandment
John 13 & The Distinguishing Mark of a Christian
In his booklet on John 13:34-35 entitled “The Mark of a Christian,” Francis Shaeffer called love ‘the final apologetic.’ The love of Christians for one another should be the distinguishing mark by which the world recognizes us as followers of Jesus. Such mutual interest in and concern for each other will arrest the attention of unbelievers. This recognition from the … Continue reading John 13 & The Distinguishing Mark of a Christian
Learning to love like Jesus – Who?
John 13:34a says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another." Who we are to love? One another. The love of Christians for one another should be the distinguishing mark by which the world recognizes us as followers of Jesus Christ. Love is one of the key terms in Jesus' Upper … Continue reading Learning to love like Jesus – Who?
Learning to love like Jesus – How?
John 13:34 traces two great movements of grace -- 'just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.' Jesus calls this his "new commandment." What makes this commandment new? In a nutshell, "Just as I have loved you" “New” (kainen) implies freshness rather than simply “recent.” The word in the original Koine … Continue reading Learning to love like Jesus – How?
Learning to love like Jesus – Why?
Jesus says in John 13:35: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Why is it important that we learn to love like Jesus? The obvious reason is that the Lord commands it. But this text offers us two vital reasons why… Fulfill our mission. Learning to … Continue reading Learning to love like Jesus – Why?
Practical Suggestions for Growing in Our Love for One Another
It is important to notice that there is an “if” involved in John 13:35. Believers can disobey Jesus' new commandment to love one another. Failure to love does not mean I am not a Christian, but it means the world has the right to make the judgment that I am not a Christian. Therefore, if we expect … Continue reading Practical Suggestions for Growing in Our Love for One Another
2Cherish2Commend 