John 13:34-35, New Living Translation

“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.”

Before Jesus was betrayed, He gave us a new commandment. “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.” (John 13:34-35, NLT)

When we love someone, it doesn’t come from a feeling. It is a choice, followed by an action. The church of Christ should have love that brings unity, which, in part, sets us apart from the world. The world should see something in us that is different, something they don’t have in which they would like to have. Romans, 12:9-10(NLT), “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection,[a] and take delight in honoring each other.”

Genuine love… Jesus gave examples of it and was the perfect example Himself. And in Luke 23, He could have condemned a man while being crucified. But that wasn’t the case. He chose to love… To forgive. “But the other criminal protested, ‘Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’ And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” (Luke 23:40–43, NLT)

In the same way, Christ died for us. He never committed any crimes. Scripture says, “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NLT) Christ knew no sin, but became sin for us. He was nailed to a tree. He took our punishment for us. Why? Because of love. Hebrews 12:2 (NLT) says, “… Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” What is the Joy set before Him? Us, our Salvation, that He died for. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16–17, NLT)

As we continue to pick up our cross to follow Jesus daily, how can we show genuine love to one another? There are many actions to choose from. Let the Holy Spirit lead you. He will remind you of the things you have learned. And when you yourself are feeling the need for love, look for Jesus. Look for Him, not just in the big things, but the little things too.

When I needed to know that I was loved, my husband had picked a worship video that plays gentle music and scrolls, different scriptures across the screen. God reminded me:

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, NLT)

“The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10, NLT)

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” (Psalm 46:10, NLT)

Right after the other scriptures, scroll across the screen, scriptures that have been constant in my life recently. That was God. That was love.