Love One Another: The Command That Proves We Belong to Jesus
Have you ever noticed how often Christians disagree, online, in churches, or even in families?
Yet, at the same time, the world is desperate to see real love.
Here’s the tension: Jesus said love is how people would know we belong to Him.
So if love is missing, what message are we sending?
Today, we’re going to unpack Jesus’ command to love one another, why it matters now more than ever, and how living this out becomes a powerful witness in a divided world.
A Command That Came at a Critical Moment
Toward the end of His earthly life, Jesus spoke words that still echo today.
He didn’t give a suggestion. Instead, He gave a command.
“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.”
— John 13:34–35 (ESV)
Jesus spoke these words knowing the cross was near.
Because of that, His command carried urgency.
He wanted His followers to understand something essential.
Love would be their identity.
Why This Command Was “New”
The command to love was not new by itself.
However, the standard was new.
Jesus said, “Just as I have loved you.”
That love was sacrificial.
That love crossed boundaries.
That love stayed faithful, even when rejected.
Because of this, Christian love looks different from the world’s version of love.
It is not based on feelings.
Instead, it is rooted in obedience.
John’s Reminder to the Church
Years later, the apostle John reminded believers of this same truth.
“And now I ask you… that we love one another.”
— 2 John 1:5–6 (ESV)
Then John made something very clear.
Love is not just words.
Love is action.
To love is to walk according to His commandments.
In other words, obedience itself becomes an act of love.
The Problem: Love Is Often Missing
Here’s the problem many people see today.
Christians sometimes look no different from the world.
We argue.
We divide.
We withdraw from one another.
Because of that, unbelievers struggle to see Jesus through us.
That is a serious issue.
Jesus said love is the evidence that we are His disciples.
So when love disappears, our witness weakens.
The Power of Loving One Another
When believers love one another despite differences, something powerful happens.
Differences in race no longer divide.
Differences in background no longer separate.
Differences in experience no longer threaten unity.
Instead, God’s grace becomes visible.
People see what Jesus can do when He changes a heart.
They see forgiveness instead of bitterness.
They see humility instead of pride.
A Love That Mirrors the Cross
Scripture reminds us of a powerful truth.
Jesus loved us while we were still sinners.
He did not wait for perfection.
He did not require worthiness.
Instead, He gave Himself fully.
This is the love we are called to reflect.
It is costly.
It is patient.
And it is intentional.
How to Love Other Believers in Practical Ways
Loving one another doesn’t have to be complicated.
It does have to be intentional.
Here are a few simple ways to start:
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Listen before you speak
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Pray for someone instead of judging them
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Encourage someone who feels overlooked
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Serve without expecting recognition
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Forgive quickly and fully
Each action, no matter how small, reflects Christ.
Interactive Quiz: How Are You Doing at Loving Others?
Answer honestly:
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Do I show grace when another believer disagrees with me?
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Do I pray for fellow Christians I struggle with?
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Do my words build up or tear down?
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Do others feel safe around me as a believer?
If one or more answers challenged you, that’s okay.
Growth starts with awareness.
Poll Question (For Blog or Video Engagement)
What is hardest about loving other believers?
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Forgiving past hurt
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Dealing with differences
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Trusting again
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Staying patient
Why This Still Matters Today
We live in difficult and uncertain times.
Because of that, people are watching closely.
When Christians love one another in chaos, it points to Jesus.
When believers stay united in hardship, it shows God’s heart.
When love leads the way, the gospel becomes visible.
Final Encouragement
Loving one another is not optional.
It is obedience.
It is worship.
And it is our witness.
As you look for ways to love fellow believers, remember this:
When you obey Jesus, you walk in His ways.
And when you walk in His ways, the world sees Him through you.
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