| There is a backstory to love, and it begins before creation. In John 17:24, Jesus is praying to God when He says, “because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” There is love inside the Trinity because God is one, and there is love between the Trinity because God is three. In the same prayer, Jesus also prays about “the glory I had with you before the world existed.” Glory can be defined as “beauty that is manifested”.(17:5) There is also “eternal life” or “lifey-ness” in God. His nature is to give life. Finally, there is joy between the Father, Son, and Spirit. God didn’t need anything. He created so He could give more love, glory, eternal life, and joy away. John 13:34-35 says, “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. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” “A new commandment” speaks to something different than what was taught for centuries. Deut 6 and Lev 19 speak of loving God and others. Jesus makes this personal and teaches the disciples to look at Him as the pattern. When He says, “as I have loved you”, He shows them how to love. - Jesus loved His disciples “to the end” of His life and His plan for redeeming mankind. (John 13:1)
- Jesus loved them by serving them. He washed their feet as He was teaching them this Truth. Not only was foot-washing a very humbling thing to do, but it was also a practical love that needed to happen.
- Jesus loved them by mending the broken relationship between God the Father and mankind. Remember, Jesus is the pattern for how we have relationships with one another.
Jesus’ pattern of love is practical and proactive. Jesus goes on to say, “by this all men will know that you are my disciples, of you have love for one another.” There is something life-giving when we love like Jesus. In John 15, Jesus speaks about being the vine that we are connected to. He says, “apart from me, you can do nothing”. This is a different expression than volunteering at a shelter or giving to the United Way. When we abide in Christ, there is something life-giving about our love for others. The only way to have the love of Jesus is to have the life of Jesus. Not only does Christ give us the humble, practical pattern of love, but He also gives us the power of love. As members of Christ’s body and God’s family, we need to show the world what God is like by loving each other well, by following Jesus’ pattern, and acting in His power. Questions to Consider: - What are some ways you can show others practical love?
- What relationship do you need to mend?
- What is something you can “give up” for a few minutes or hours that will give you time and attention to love someone else well?
- Philippians 2:14-15 says, “do all things without grumbling or disputing…in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” What does it look like for you to “shepherd your attitude”? Why is it important to be in biblical community with others in light of this Truth?
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