“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 ‭ESV‬‬

God is love. God’s love is precious and steadfast in all things. In Jesus, He has given us a perfect example of love. Looking closer at today’s scripture, we are not just called to love one another but commanded to love one another. But should we simply love each other out of obligation? No, our love for each other should be a reflection of the love that Jesus has shown us.

There is no one who is undeserving of our love. We are to love our family, friends, and neighbors with the same unconditional love that Christ has shown us. But Jesus pushes the command just a bit further - calling his followers to love their enemies, the outcasts of society, and those in our communities who are most vulnerable. 1 Corinthians 13:7 says, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, [and] endures all things.” Why does it matter how we love? It matters because how we love is how people will know that we are followers of Jesus.

Two questions to wrestle with today...

Who are you doing a great job of loving well? A friend, a family member, or maybe someone you are discipling. Keep it up. Continue to love them well! You are making a real difference in that person’s life.

Now for the more difficult question. What person or group of people are you really struggling to love well? Ask God to show you how He views this person or group of people. Remember, God also created this person in His image with a plan and purpose for their life. Ask Him to soften your heart towards this person and show you what it looks like to love well in this scenario specifically.

Follower of Jesus: today choose to love others well because God first loved us.

To read more devotions on how to meet people where they are click here.

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About the Author

Nathan Miller is a passionate follower of Jesus who strives to connect, surrender, and partner with Him on a daily basis. He is the founder of OnThe3rdDay, a resource created to help others more fully Live a Life On Mission For Jesus. Nathan is devoted to studying God's word, writing about following Jesus in today's culture, and discipling others who want to do the same.  He is also a husband, father, friend, mentor, ultra-marathon runner, NBA basketball enthusiast, fan of all things tech, and music lover. He lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with his wife and two kids, where they are involved in their local church, North Way Christian Community.