THE NEW TESTAMENT COMMANDMENT

John 15: 12-13, 17 NKJ 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another.

Jesus gives us His commandment that we love one another as He did for us. The greatest kind of love is not a feeling but that we prefer others, lay down our lives.

This kind of love is obviously not the romantic love that we often associate with the word. This love is an unconditional love - a choice, a decision, an action. Years later, John would write a letter to the believers where he expounds on this love that Jesus commanded. He states that this kind of love keeps us from stumbling spiritually. (1 John 2:10) This love assures or persuades our hearts before God. (1 John 3:18-19) And this kind of love casts out fear. (1 John 4:18) This kind of love not only keeps Jesus' commandment, but it also keeps us.

APPLICATION

This love that Jesus commanded is the way God's kingdom operates. God is love and we are His children. We're born of love. We have the capacity to walk in this unconditional love. But don't wait for a feeling. Make the choice to live to bless and help and give to those in your world. Love is one of the most powerful things you can do in this life.

PRAYER

Father, thank you for loving me and for giving me the ability to walk in this love. Jesus did not give me a commandment that I am unable to keep. Thank You that I can live in this strong, powerful love!