In John 13:34-35, Jesus gives His disciples a command unlike any other: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
It is simple, but yet profound; it is direct, yet revolutionary.
Jesus is not asking for passive kindness, occasional generosity, or polite civility. He is calling for a radical love that mirrors His own, a love that is sacrificial, intentional, and unconditional. This is the love that defines His followers, the love that distinguishes a disciple from the world.
Love as the Defining Mark of Discipleship
Take a pause and notice how Jesus frames this command: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Love is not just a feeling; it is the evidence of faith. It is the outward reflection of inward transformation; it is the proof that Christ’s life and teachings are alive in us.
People may admire your wisdom, your achievements, or your eloquence, but it is love, consistently lived, that marks you as a follower of Christ.
Loving Like Jesus Means Sacrifice
To love like Jesus is to go beyond convenience. It is a love that forgives when it hurts; it is a love that serves when it is inconvenient. It is a love that gives without expecting in return.
Jesus loved even those who betrayed Him, denied Him, and ultimately crucified Him. He demonstrated a love that did not depend on merit, kindness, or reciprocity.
And loving like this in our daily lives requires courage, humility, and self-discipline, and it is the love that transforms communities, heals relationships, and draws people to God.
Love is Active, Not Passive
Love is more than sentiment or warm feelings; it is action. It is reaching out to someone in need; it is speaking the truth with kindness. It is extending patience when others frustrate us; it is choosing reconciliation over bitterness.
John 13:34-35 is a call to practical love, the kind that others can see and experience; it is through these actions that the world recognizes disciples of Christ.
When you love genuinely, it spreads. A kind word encourages a heart. A generous act inspires generosity in others. A patient response teaches patience.
By loving like Jesus, we create a ripple effect that transforms families, workplaces, neighborhoods, and societies. Every act of love becomes a seed that grows into broader change.
Where harshness often feels like the default for many people, especially when they have been wronged, kindness can seem small, even naive. But the truth is this: Kindness is one of the most powerful forces in existence. It heals wounds we cannot see, mends hearts we do not understand, and bridges divides we thought were impossible to cross.
And this brings me to a song that recently caught my attention, even though it is an old song. The song “Try a Little Kindness” by Mary McKee and The Genesis carries this timeless message with such simplicity and beauty. It reminds us that the world does not need grand speeches or heroic gestures; what it needs is more people who pause, see the hurting, and act with compassion.
Continue Reading: Try a Little Kindness: How Small Acts of Kindness Can Change a Life
Self-Reflection: Are You Living the New Commandment?
So let us learn and start asking ourselves:
- Do my actions consistently reflect Christlike love?
- Am I patient, forgiving, and generous toward those around me?
- Do people see Jesus in my interactions, or just good manners and polite words?
The New Commandment challenges us to evaluate the depth of our love and commit to living it intentionally every day.
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Conclusion
John 13:34-35 is more than a moral guideline; it is the essence of discipleship. Loving one another like Jesus loved us is transformative.
When we choose love over pride, service over selfishness, and forgiveness over resentment, we become living testimonies of Christ. And it is in doing so, that the world sees not just kindness, but the presence of Jesus Himself in our lives.
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 13:34-35
This is the new commandment! This is the life of a true disciple!
