scottsholar

     When one thinks of all of the bad things that have happened over the course of history, it seems that almost all of them (excluding natural disasters) could have been prevented if the parties involved would have been filled with love. Of course, we know that there is evil in the world (because of man’s sinning in the “garden”), but, still, so much of the world’s ills stem from lack of love. I am not saying, however, that one should lay down one’s principles in order to be “loveable.” That would lead to even more calamity. But what I am saying is that our world (including tragic events in Scripture) could have come out differently if agape (Godly) love had been employed.

     Jesus said, “‘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’” (John 13:34-35). Jesus was not telling us to give up what we believe in order to “get along.” He was, however, emphatic in His directive that love must be “at the heart” of what it means to be one of His disciples.

     Jesus gave His disciples this “new” command just hours before He would be crucified on the cross. This edict would be part of His “last will and testament” for His followers. Therefore, we understand, now, how much He worked to impress this theme of love to them. It was paramount that they understood the importance of loving one another.

     Jesus is our example, and His life and ministry are the patterns for us in how to accomplish this all-important task of loving one another. Although it may be difficult, at times, to love people who have wronged us, Jesus says do it anyway. If we are to be obedient to the Lord, we must love no matter what.

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