Daily Devotional for Sunday, September 20

A New Commandment

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another,” John 13:35.
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus gathered His disciples in the upper room and spoke words that would echo throughout the centuries. In that sacred moment, He gave them something new—a commandment that would distinguish them from the world: “Love one another; as I have loved you.”
The command to love was not new in principle, but it was new in pattern. The standard was no longer as you love yourself, but as I have loved you. That changed everything. The love of Christ is sacrificial, selfless and steadfast. It is a love that kneels to wash the feet of betrayers and goes to the cross for sinners. It is a love that gives without demanding and forgives without measure.
Christ’s command calls His followers to reflect His heart. Our love for one another is not based on personality, preference or performance—it flows from the presence of Christ within us. When believers love as Jesus loves, the world takes notice. The greatest evidence of discipleship is not our preaching, programs or professions of faith but our love.
In a world filled with division and bitterness, the church must shine with the love of Christ. Love is not weakness; it is the strongest witness. It binds the body of Christ together, bridges differences and brings glory to God. Every church’s testimony rises or falls on this command. If we would show the world Jesus, we must first show one another His love.

Thought For Today
When love governs the heart, Christ is clearly seen in the life. Let us love as He loved: sacrificially, sincerely and steadfastly.

Steven Ridings