In a world marked by division and discord from so many fronts, a believer being commanded to love one another, to me, is a tall order. Issues with race, politics, culture, tribe, ethnicity, religion, ego, pride, nationality, etc. make it practically impossible.

On the other hand, the biblical call to love one another resonates deeply with our human hearts, because LOVE is a powerful force and a beautiful thing that transcends differences and brings unity.

Love as a central theme in the Bible, to me, transcends time and culture.

Today, let’s explore the deep significance of love in the life of a believer, and how it should guide our relationships and interactions with one another.

Anchor Bible Verse of the Day on “Love One Another”

And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another.

2 John 1:5 (NKJV)

2 John 1:5 stresses the timeless nature of the command to love one another. It reminds us that love is not an unknown idea but a fundamental instruction that has existed from the beginning of our faith journey.

This command challenges us to prioritize love in our relationships and with anyone we encounter, mirroring the love of Christ in our interactions with fellow believers, and by extension, non-believers.

Key Explanations:

  • Not a new commandment: John underscores that the call to love one another is not a recent directive but a foundational principle of Christian living.
  • From the beginning: This phrase highlights that the command to love has been present since the early days of Christianity, emphasizing its enduring importance.

Reflection on the Command to Love One Another

The command to “love one another” is a simple yet profound directive that captures the essence of Christian living. It’s a message that echoes throughout the Scriptures and stands as a testament to the transformative power of love.

John, in 2 John 1:5, addresses this command not as an unknown teaching but as a timeless truth that has existed since the dawn of the Christian faith.

It is a reminder that love is not a passing trend but an enduring principle that should shape our interactions, both within the body of believers and with the world at large.

Love, as presented in the Bible, is not merely a sentimental feeling but a deliberate and sacrificial choice. It is a love that transcends personal preferences, biases, and even disagreements. It’s a love that mirrors the selfless love of Christ, who gave His life for us while we were still sinners.

When we love one another, we bear witness to the world of God’s transformative power. Our love becomes a tangible expression of our faith, demonstrating that we are disciples of Jesus Christ. It is through our love for one another that others may be drawn to the message of the gospel.

Furthermore, love within the Christian community fosters unity, mutual support, and a sense of belonging. It creates an environment where individuals feel valued, accepted, and cared for. Love is the adhesive that holds the diverse members of the body of Christ together, enabling us to function as one harmonious entity.

  • In practical terms, loving one another means extending grace and forgiveness when disagreements arise.
  • It involves showing kindness and empathy to those in need and celebrating one another’s successes and joys.
  • Love compels us to put others’ interests before our own, to bear one another’s burdens, and to offer a helping hand when it’s needed most.

It’s important to note that the command to love one another encompasses not only fellow believers but extends to all people.

In Matthew 22:39, Jesus teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Our love should spill over beyond the boundaries of our faith community and reach out to those who may not share our beliefs. This love is not conditional but all-encompassing.

Today, as we reflect on the significance of loving one another, it’s essential to remember that it’s not always easy. Human relationships can be complex, and conflicts may arise.

However, it’s precisely in those challenging moments that our love can shine most brightly. When we choose to love even when it’s difficult, we reflect the transformative power of God’s love within us.

Call to Action:

Today, as we go about our day, let us commit ourselves to live out the command to love one another. Let us reflect on our interactions with others, both within and outside our faith community, and let us pray for the strength and wisdom to love sacrificially and selflessly. Reach out to someone in need, forgive those who have wronged you, and show kindness to strangers.

Let love be the guiding principle in your interactions today and henceforth.

Remember that your love can be a powerful testimony to those around you. Be that testimony then!

In the words of 1 Corinthians 16:14, “Let all that you do be done with love.

Prayer Points for Today

  • Love in Action: Pray for the ability to demonstrate love through your actions.
  • Healing and Reconciliation: Pray for healing and reconciliation in relationships marked by conflict.
  • Spread of Love: Pray that love may spread throughout your community and beyond.

Let’s Pray

Our Father, we thank You for the command to love one another. Help us to embrace this directive as a core principle of our faith. Grant us the grace to love sacrificially, just as Your Son, Jesus Christ, loved us.

May our love be a light that draws others to You. In Jesus’ precious and mighty name, we pray. Amen.

My prayer for you today: May your commitment to loving one another bring glory to God and be a source of blessing to those you encounter on your journey of faith.

Blessings.