Bear fruit - show love

Carina Francke

John 13:34,35: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Our Creator's rulership in our lives is being made visible by the fruit we bear, and the one  command that encompasses all others, is love. This command implies that everyone whom we come across, should see in us a different attitude, conduct, value system, manner of speaking and respect towards them.

The command of loving each other is not a new one, but was issued since the earliest of times (see Lev 19:18). But it is revolutionary in the sense that we should love as Jesus loves. Love is more than warm feelings, hugs and kisses - it is an attitude that reveals itself in actions and how you treat other people. The heart of Jesus' love is sacrificial, even if it cost Him his life. As He said himself: "Greater love has no one than this; that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

Do we have to love like this? Yes!

Impossible! Yes!.....if we try to love with our own resources and abilities. Our Father made provision for our inability to love as He does, and sent his Holy Spirit to teach, help and lead us in this and other matters regarding a godly life. The question we have to ask ourselves though, is to what extent do we lean and depend on the Holy Spirit's working and inspiration and how obedient are we when He gives direction?

How do we love in a practical way? "Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." (1John 3:18). By helping when it's not convenient; by giving when it hurts; by devoting energy to others' welfare, rather than one's own. And to act on what the Spirit impresses on one's heart.

What is Jesus' purpose with this love command? To visibly demonstrate to everyone, especially to a broken world, what people who claim to be His followers look like; how they act towards one another, and how they serve, care and support each other. An even greater purpose: by this kind of love unbelievers can be introduced to the astonishing, sacrificial love of Jesus who paved the way for everyone who believes in Him, to be snatched away from the claws of death and receive life in Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am too consumed with self -love to love people in this godly manner. But today I choose to put my feet in your footprints and start walking in your tracks; I choose to put my hand in Your hand so that You can lead me in the paths of righteousness and true, godly love. Amen.