So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Dear Ones: New Commandment! On the night He was betrayed, the Master issued this new commandment (or in the current vernacular—an executive order). This commandment has never been rescinded by the Head of the Church. Our love walk is the hallmark that authenticates to the lost world that we are Christians.
The Master was not making small talk as they sat around the table at the Last Supper. He truly meant for His followers to adhere to and obey this command. For example, He rebuked the on-fire, heresy-busting church of Ephesus for failing to walk in love. Our love walk is first to be towards Him, Our Savior, and then toward the brethren, in whom He dwells.
The New Command to Love
We are on the cusp of celebrating Valentine’s Day. Cards and gifts are exchanged to profess our love for those dear to us. But do we take time to express our love to the One Who gave His all for our salvation. He does not just want eloquent words but true ungrudging obedience to follow His commands without reservation. John 14:21, NLT, explains. “Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”
Declare today: “Lord, I choose to follow Your new commandment to love you and the brethren with my whole heart. I desire to walk worthy of You and to love like You love. Help me in this endeavor because this love walk is an act of faith not emotions. I ask for the grace needed to accomplish this every day. Praise the Lord!” Have a lovely and blessed day in Jesus’ name.