“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.” — John 13:34-35 (ESV)
This charge by Jesus comes soon after his other charge about following His example of humble service to others, even if holding a position of power, respect, and authority (v 14-17). Here Jesus says that not only did He give us an example of servant-leadership and humility, but He also gave us an example of extreme love. And that just as He loved us and still loves us with an extreme love, we too are to love one another with a love that is so exceptional that even unbelievers take notice of it.
The way we love is to be a distinguishing feature of our faith. Good theology is important, but not as important as loving extravagantly — at least, if you believe what Jesus has to say. We have so many “unloving” theological debates with each other, and we have so many harsh criticisms of those both inside and outside the fold, but this should not be. Jesus’ harsh words were reserved for stick-in-the-mud religious leaders who prided themselves on good theology, but failed to exhibit open hearts and loving manners. He only had kind words for sinners. Let us love — even our enemies — with a love that distinguished us from people who are not Jesus’ disciples. May all “sinners” know that they have a place to go to be genuinely loved — the Church. May the Holy Spirit set us free from the “zeitgeist” — judgmental spirit of the day — and set us on the path of true disciples of Jesus — extravagant lovers, just as Jesus was and is and always will be.
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Posted originally on December 29, 2009