For Bible references in this video, check the description on YouTube.
Good news, everyone! Jesus gave us a new commandment in John 13:34: "I give you a new commandment—to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." OK, big deal. We've heard it before. Isn't loving others one of the main points of Christianity? Don't they say that EVERY week at church? So, love one another. Cool. Got it. But what does that even mean?
HOW do we show our love? HOW do we love at all? Are we going around hugging everyone and smothering them with kisses? Are we bending over backwards (no matter the cost) to do what others ask or demand? Does that sound right? No? Can I get props for a nice try though?
Ephesians 5:2 says to "walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." God is love (1 John 4:8). The Father (God), the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit are one in the same (Deuteronomy 6:4).
Therefore, Jesus is God. Therefore, Jesus is perfect. Therefore, HOW He showed His love is the perfect example of of how we, as Christians, ought to show OUR love to others today.
So how can we be like Jesus so we can love like He does? Forgive others of their wrongs against you (Ephesians 4:32). Refuse to tolerate injustices (Romans 12:21). Stand up for the poor and the defenseless (1 John 3:17-18). Don't use the Bible to justify your sins (Psalm 119:16). Put the needs your neighbor at the same level as your own needs (Matthew 22:39). Outdo everyone in showing honor (Romans 12:10) and honor your parents (Exodus 20:12). If you see someone struggling, or if they're having doubts, or they're dealing with a loss, don't let them suffer alone. Our God above loves them, and YOUR part is to show them love.
The most obvious ways to show God's love are written by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
So, therefore, be patient. Be kind. Have goodwill. Be humble. Be modest. Honor others. Be selfless. Seek peace. Withhold grudges. OK, I'll stop. I think you get the point. And if some of these things sound familiar, I'll remind you of where you've heard them (Galatians 5:22-23).
Earlier in Corinthians, Paul gives us one of the most poignant verses in the whole Bible:
"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing." —1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Without love, your works are nothing. Without love, your faith is nothing. Without love, you can offer nothing.
Allow me to leave you with a line from Romans 13:8, "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another..."
How can we be like Jesus so we can love like He does? Forgive others of their wrongs against you (Ephesians 4:32). Refuse to tolerate injustices (Romans 12:21). Stand up for the poor and the defenseless (1 John 3:17-18). Don't use the Bible to justify your sins (Psalm 119:16). Put the needs your neighbor at the same level as your own needs (Matthew 22:39). Outdo everyone in showing honor (Romans 12:10) and honor your parents (Exodus 20:12). If you see someone struggling, or if they're having doubts, or they're dealing with a loss, don't let them suffer alone. Our God above loves them, and YOUR part is to show them love.
Cactus is a teen who, in his spare time, enjoys writing, listening to bands no one has ever heard of, and creating assorted wavelengths of random sound particles that ALMOST resemble real music. He is also fluent in the languages of English, sarcasm, and gibberish.
