Love One Another

By Glenn Peterson

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:16, NIV).

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34, NIV).

In a world that prioritizes self-sufficiency, self-preservation, and self-advancement, today’s texts confront us with a different vision. This is not optional. It is a “must.” It is integrity—defining reality for followers of Jesus and the Christian community. The love of Jesus is not a theory—it is a lived sacrifice. Jesus did not just talk about love; he demonstrated it through blood, sweat, tears, and sacrifice. And then he turns to us and says, “Do the same. Love one another.”

Father God, help us to see your Son as evidence of your love.

What does it look like to live this command as a spouse, parent, friend, pastor, and leader in our self-absorbed, competitive, cynical world? What does “love one another” look like for me today?

Jesus, help me to hear your voice.

Jesus said that the mark of his disciples is love—not inspiring sermons, not social media platforms, not cultural influence, not the existence of churches or the act of attending them. Love. Without it, we have nothing. But if we do—if we embody cruciform love—it will cut through the noise. It stands out, self-evident in the face of ambition and achievement.

Spirit of God, move among your people and free us to love one another. Empower us to love the world.

This kind of love is costly. This kind of love interrupts plans and challenges our pride. It may even break your heart. Yet this is the way of Jesus. This is discipleship. Failing to love—and thus failing to follow—is also costly.

Reflection Questions

• How do you sense the Spirit speaking to you?
• Who is God calling you to love today?
• How might God be speaking to your community? Who is your community being called to love?

Prayer

Triune God of love, help me—help your people—resist superficial, easy answers. May the overflow of your love be evident in the way your body, the Church, loves one another and the world. Forgive us as individuals and as communities for the ways we have failed to love or chosen not to love one another. In days marked by division, fragmentation, isolation, and hate, renew your church to be a countercultural presence for good. May your Word come alive in us. Amen.