It Takes Love

Introduction

Jesus is facing the cross—what did He do to help His disciples understand His love?

John 13:3–5 ESV

3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

The love Jesus demonstrated was a love centered on compassion and servanthood.

Jesus gives His disciples a command to follow:

John 13:34–35 ESV

34 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. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Lev. 19:18 (Law: Love your neighbor as yourself). New Command: Love others as Christ loves (instead of yourself being the measure of love, Christ is now the measure of love).

What does this kind of love mean for us today?

The Apostle Paul shows that the empowered Christian MUST live the life of love to others.

1 Corinthians 13:4–7 ESV

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

What are some common sense actions we can take to secure our relationships with love?

Practice Vulnerability

Discard records of wrongs

Value people as image bearers

Seek the best in others (serve)

Place identity, security, and worth in Christ.