Love

 John 15:12 ESV

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 


At first glance Jesus seems to be echoing Moses who said we're to love our neighbours. Note however that Christ sets the bar even higher. We're not just to love others as we love ourselves; we're to love as Christ has loved us.

I'm reminded of Jesus's words in the sermon on the mount. It's not enough to not commit adultery: we mustn't lust. It's not enough to not murder: we mustn't hate.

Far from lusting after and hating people, we should love them by respecting them as those made in God's image and likeness. We're not just animals to procreate, to kill and be killed. We're to be godly and Christlike.

Love sets us apart from the animals. As Christ died for us, so we are to be prepared to die for one another. Love isn't just extravagant acts though, but small sacrifices every day for the sake of others.

'Loving heavenly Father, may we love others as Christ has loved us. For the honour of your name we pray, amen'.

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