Commanded to Love
Wednesday, August 31
Commanded to Love
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. John 13:34
Love is almost certainly the most misunderstood word in the world. Jentezen Franklin says, ‘We dilute its meaning by overuse: ‘I love my wife, I love my country, I love pizza.’ In the God’s Word, however, love is commanded. That is what Moses told the nation of Israel: “I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways” (Deut. 30:16). Jesus said that the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God” (Mark 12:30). And in today’s verse we are given ‘A new commandment I give you, that you love one another (John 13:34).
How can God command love? Because love is a choice. God is the supreme display of love. ‘Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.’ (Colossians 3:14) Notice those two small words, ‘clothe yourselves’. Like you choose the clothes you wear each day, you choose the attitude you will display.
Today consider the opportunities you have to obey God’s command to love? Honoring parents by caring and providing for them? Ministering to someone in need? Offering a gracious and kind word to someone who is difficult to love? Whatever it is, we are commanded to love and in doing so demonstrate the love of God.