The command to love one another

Series Introduction

In this new series, “Love one another: The mark of true discipleship.” we will have a variety of love centered topics to cover. Some verses you may know well, others may not. The aim of this series is looking at loving one another.

Sermon 1: The command to love one another

Sermon 2: Love in Action

Sermon 3: Love that forgives

Sermon 4: Love that builds up

Sermon 5: Love without partiality

Sermon 6: Perfected in love

Big Idea: Loving one another is not optional but a direct command from Jesus, revealing our identity as His disciples.

Illustration: When you enter most people’s homes you find pictures on the walls, family pictures and the like don’t you. People may say “You look like your Dad, or maybe your Mom.” Or have you heard someone say “You act just like . . .”

Jesus tells us there is a spiritual resemblance too. The world should look at us and say, “You look like Jesus.” The way others see the resemblance is simple but life-changing: How we love one another.

(Transition) As we go through this series Jesus starts with the command, not a suggestion nor a preference, but a command to love one another.

The Origin of the command

John 13:34–35 “34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.””

It comes directly from Jesus

Jesus did not delegate this command to anyone; not apostles, prophets, traditions, but by the words of His own mouth.

This is His command, rooted in His authority (Mt28:18)

Obedience to this command is not optional. It is central to following Him, consider John 14:15 “15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

It is “new” in its depth and dimension

Loving one another was known under the law (Lev19:18) but Jesus deepens it.

The command is new because it is:

Patterned after Jesus’ own love (Jn13:34)

It is empowered by His example and the Spirit (Jn13-17 contextually) you can see it.

(Transition) Jesus gives the Church a defining relational ethic that surpasses natural or cultural love (Jn13:34-35)

The Measure of Love

John 13:34–35 “34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.””

Jesus sets the standard

We do not measure love by convenience, culture, or emotion.

The measure of love is Christ Himself — self-giving, sacrificial, servant-hearted love consider (John 13:1–5)

He loved completely (until the end)

He loved with humility (washing the feet)

He loved sacrificially (by going to the cross)

Christlike love is costly but transformational

Christ’s love moved toward the unlovely, the difficult, the undeserving in our eyes, the outcasts.

True Christian love may require

Forgiving when wronged

Serving when tired

Giving when unnoticed

Reconciling when wounded

This is the love that reflects Jesus, not our natural impulses.

The Mark of Discipleship

Reference John 13:35 “35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”” and then look together at 1 John 4:7–8 “7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

Love is the evidence of a changed heart

The world recognizes followers of Jesus (disciples) not by buildings, programs, or knowledge

They see Jesus through how believers treat one another.

A lack of love raises questions about our spiritual condition (again consider 1Jn4:8)

Love is the Church’s greatest witness

Evangelism is strengthened when love is visible.

Division Destroys the credibility of the gospel; unity adorned with love magnifies it.

When people see mercy, forgiveness, patience, and kindness among believers, they see the character of Christ.

(Transition) If the world watched how I treat my brothers and sisters, would they see Jesus?

Application

Show intentional kindness to someone in church each week

Forgive someone you have held at a distance

Serve someone without announcing it or expecting recognition.

Pray daily for someone who has been difficult to love.

“Love is command. Lost has a cost. Love leaves evidence. Let Love be seen through you.”

Let people see Christ in you — not just in words but in actions.

Conclusion: Jesus has not asked us to do something that is impossible or is too difficult to do. He set the way, set the example. He loved us first, loved us fully. He loved us sacrificially.

(Encouragement/Invitation) (Song) (Prayer)