For this is the message
that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one
another.
1
John 3:11 ESV
When
John writes this is what you have heard from the beginning, he means
just that. What John is saying here is that to love one another is a
direct command from Jesus himself; A new commandment I give
to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also
are to love one another.John
13:34 ESV
What
John is sharing here is not simply a suggestion, but a commandment
from the Lord Himself. As disciples of Christ we have been commanded
to love one another. John isn't the only New Testament writer to
relay the importance of this commandment, Paul and Peter do so as
well. See Romans 12:10, 1st
Thessalonians 4:9 and 1 Peter 1:22. A commandment is not optional. It
is not something we do when we choose, it is what we are to do at all
times. To disobey a commandment of the Lord is to sin. So, if we are
not showing love to a fellow believer for whatever reason, we are
sinning.
So
today, if we consider ourselves to be disciples of Christ we have no
choice but to love our fellow disciples. The love of one Christian
for another is of great importance, it shows that we truly are his
disciples. As Jesus said; “By this all people will know
that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
John 13:35 ESV
©
2013 Leo J. Woodman
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