A New Commandment
Last week, I shared a concept that is core to the New Testament and yet has been MIA in church conversation in recent years. It’s the concept of the ‘one anothers’.
In the Old Testament, Israel had 613 laws that were reinforced by many more rules and traditions to help keep the 613. However, it’s clear from the ministry of Jesus that all 613 hang on just two. Love God and love people.
Fast forward to the famous foot washing scene in the Upper Room, Jesus shows what loving people looks like in the context of the church. “A new command I give you: love one another. “As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).
The context of this is that Judas betrayed Jesus and Peter was about to deny him. When they did what they did, they did so with clean feet, washed by the King of the universe in human flesh.
This way of love is radical. And our love for another is to be no less radical because we are to love one another AS he has loved us. This command becomes the hallmark of Christian community. The world should be able to look at the way we care for and serve one another and know that we belong to Jesus.
So how are we doing? Does the way we honor others show that we belong to Jesus? Do we serve others in a way that reflects him? Do we forgive others like we have been forgiven? I wonder what step Jesus would have you take today that we would be a church that more accurately reflects him.
As we head into a series called One Another this weekend, it’s the beginning of a journey for us. It’s a theme we will return to again and again. Loving in this way is not something we’ll ever master. But imagine if we could consistently grow. Just imagine what an incredible community we would be.
Much love,
Simon
Questions to ponder:
What are some moments you can recall from your own life where you have felt loved by other Christians?
What are some specific ways you sense God calling you to show love to others in the Church family?
Is there anyone you have an unresolved issue with? Do you need to forgive someone, or ask someone to forgive you? Make a plan today to do all you can to set things right between you.
The way the Church loves one another is meant to be a witness to the world. What do you want the world to see when they look at the Church? Does your church community currently look like a place that non-believers would be drawn to? Why/why not?
This post is part of the Senior Pastor’s weekly blog. Go to the blog feed >>