On the night before he gave his life for the world, Jesus left his disciples a new command to love one another. It’s been pointed out that God’s people were already supposed to be loving. There was even a command to that effect many centuries before: Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. (Leviticus 19:18).
The “newness” wasn’t so much our love to others, but our love to others in the love of Christ. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (John 13:34). Jesus’ love is sacrificial. It took suffering. It meant lowering himself to a human existence. It was faithful and in service to others. It included love for his enemies. And the love of Christ was for you.
That’s not just any kind of love. It has embraced you by grace through faith in Jesus. You see what it looks in your Savior.
Don’t be shy! You have this “new” love to give because it has arrived in your life. You are sure in your eternal salvation and your conscience is at peace because of God’s gift of grace in his Son’s death for you.
Let people see through you an extraordinary love toward your spouse, children, coworkers, friends and enemies. Then they will know without a doubt you’ve been touched by the love of Christ.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:35)