A New Commandment

“A new commandment I give unto you,
That you love one another as I have loved you,
That you love one another as I have loved you.
By this shall all men know that you are My disciples,
If you have love one for another.
By this shall all men know that you are My disciples,
If you have love one for another.”

- A New Commandment Song Lyrics

The lyrics for the song, “A New Commandment” comes from John 13:34-35, where Jesus was giving his farewell speech to the disciples as he was going to be crucified soon. I recently read this in a Bible study with a few other brothers and I was so inspired by it. Jesus’ last words to his disciples before his crucifixion was to love one another as their love would identify them as Christians. I found that extremely profound. There are many groups of people in this world, groups that are identified on the basis of race, status, interests, intelligence, age, the list goes on. However, Jesus says here that the Church is identified through our love for each other and for God.

​This made me really reflect on my own life, do I really love my brothers and sisters? What does it even mean to love my brothers and sisters? One of the ways the Bible tells us to interact with our brothers and sisters is to talk to them. In Hebrews 10:25 ESV, it states that “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Though COVID-19 has made gatherings difficult and has broken off lots of communication in the Church, we must remember that Jesus has told us to love each other as he has loved us. I encourage my brothers and sisters to check up on each other in their free time, a text or a phone call can go a long way. May Jesus keep us all safe in these uncertain times and may we keep one another in prayer. Amen.