”34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35
Relationships can be challenging. What I mean is, successful relationships require some type of effort…
One example I have is pretty uninteresting. It involves laundry.
My ex-wife, following in the footsteps of her controlling, manic depressive mother, chose to hurt and torture her spouse by purposely not doing his laundry. She would make the situation even worse by reminding me I was not “deserving” of her washing my clothes.
On the flip side, nowadays my partner not only does my laundry, she takes my dirty clothes home with her, washes AND folds my socks, pants, shirts and underwear, and goes as far as steam ironing my dress shirts!
Now, that’s LOVE!
You see, because she has no faith and she is driven by works, my ex-wife did things for me out of obligation. The huge difference is, my current partner actually cares for me, and her desire to do things for me is obviously rooted in love, not merely in duty.
So today, God led me to the Book of John, where I read the profound message of love and compassion conveyed in John 13:34-35: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
In these verses, Jesus imparts a timeless commandment that transcends time, culture, and circumstance. He instructs us not merely to love one another but to love as He has loved us – sacrificially, unconditionally, and without boundaries.
The essence of Jesus’ commandment lies in the call to action – to demonstrate our love through tangible acts of kindness, compassion, and support, especially towards those in need, including our partners in relationships.
Caring for partners in need goes beyond mere words; it requires a willingness to extend ourselves, to empathize with their struggles, and to offer a helping hand in times of difficulty. It means being present, attentive, and responsive to their needs, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.
Jesus exemplified this kind of selfless love throughout His ministry. He healed the sick, comforted the broken-hearted, and uplifted the downtrodden. His love knew no bounds, and His compassion knew no limits. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His example in our relationships, particularly in caring for our partners in need.
In times of sickness, we are called to be caregivers, providing comfort, assistance, and reassurance to our partners. Whether it’s a simple gesture like preparing a nourishing meal or offering a comforting embrace, our actions speak volumes about the depth of our love and commitment.
Moreover, caring for partners in need extends beyond physical ailments to encompass emotional and spiritual well-being. In moments of doubt, fear, or despair, our partners need a steady presence – someone to listen, to empathize, and to offer words of encouragement and hope.
As disciples of Christ, our love for one another should be a beacon of light in a world darkened by suffering and despair. It should be a tangible expression of God’s love for humanity, reflecting His mercy, grace, and compassion.
Furthermore, Jesus emphasizes that our love for one another serves as a powerful testimony to the world. When we love as Christ loved, when we care for our partners in need with selflessness and compassion, we bear witness to the transformative power of God’s love in our lives.
Our relationships become living testimonies of God’s grace, drawing others to Him through the authenticity of our love. As Jesus declared, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
Let’s heed Jesus’ commandment to love one another as He has loved us. Let us be instruments of His love and compassion in our relationships, particularly in caring for our partners in need. May our love be a reflection of God’s love, illuminating the world with hope, healing, and redemption.
Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your presence in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom bestowed upon John,
And we ask you Lord to help us find joy in your perfect plan.
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through your Word, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by the truth as we spread the good news to one and all,
And lead the lost to You.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us,
To bless our lives and fill us with hope.
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and our place with you in Heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done, here on Earth and through the vast Universe,
May our hearts be filled with your everlasting love and grace.
Praises to You God, Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
