A NEW COMMANDMENT I GIVE UNTO YOU

A NEW COMMANDMENT I GIVE UNTO YOU

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 13:31-35

Key Verse: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34)

Supporting Texts: 1 John 4:7-11; Romans 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 13:1-7; Colossians 3:12-14

Description: This message reveals the central place of love in the Christian life and the command of Jesus for believers to love one another as He loved them.

INTRODUCTION

During the final moments of His earthly ministry with His disciples, Jesus gave them a command that would define the identity of His followers. He called it a new commandment: that they should love one another just as He had loved them.

Although the command to love was already present in the Old Testament, Jesus gave it a deeper meaning and a higher standard. The love He commanded was not merely human affection but sacrificial, unconditional, and Christ-like love.

Jesus Himself demonstrated this love through His humility, service, and ultimately His sacrifice on the cross. By giving this command, He established love as the foundation of Christian relationships and the distinguishing mark of His disciples.

1. THE COMMAND TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Jesus clearly instructed His followers to love each other.

a. Love as a Divine Command (John 13:34)
Love is not optional; it is a command from Christ.

b. Love Fulfils the Law (Romans 13:8-10)
When believers love others, they fulfil God’s law.

c. Love Reflects God’s Nature (1 John 4:7-8)
God Himself is love, and His children must reflect His character.

d. Love Strengthens Christian Fellowship (Hebrews 10:24)
Love motivates believers to encourage and support one another.

e. Biblical Example:
The early church demonstrated love by sharing their possessions and caring for one another’s needs (Acts 2:44-45).

2. THE STANDARD OF CHRISTLIKE LOVE

Jesus set the standard for love by saying, “as I have loved you.”

a. Sacrificial Love (John 15:13)
Greater love is shown by giving one’s life for others.

b. Selfless Service (Philippians 2:4)
True love seeks the good of others.

c. Forgiving Love (Ephesians 4:32)
Christ’s love is expressed through forgiveness.

d. Enduring Love (1 Corinthians 13:7)
True love endures difficulties and remains faithful.

e. Biblical Example:
Jesus showed sacrificial love when He gave His life on the cross for humanity (Romans 5:8).

3. LOVE IS THE MARK OF TRUE DISCIPLESHIP

Jesus declared that love would identify His true followers.

a. Love as a Witness to the World (John 13:35)
People recognise Christ’s disciples through their love for one another.

b. Unity Through Love (Colossians 3:14)
Love binds believers together in perfect unity.

c. Love Demonstrates Spiritual Maturity (1 John 4:20-21)
One cannot claim to love God while hating others.

d. Love Promotes Peace and Harmony (Ephesians 4:2)
Humility and patience strengthen relationships among believers.

e. Biblical Example:
Jonathan showed deep love and loyalty to David, even when it cost him personally (1 Samuel 18:1-4).

4. PRACTISING LOVE IN DAILY LIFE

Christlike love must be demonstrated through actions.

a. Loving Through Kindness (Ephesians 4:32)
Kindness is an expression of genuine love.

b. Helping Those in Need (1 John 3:17-18)
Love must be shown through practical care.

c. Speaking Words That Build Up (Ephesians 4:29)
Loving speech encourages and strengthens others.

d. Living Peaceably with Others (Romans 12:18)
Love seeks harmony and reconciliation.

e. Biblical Example:
The Good Samaritan showed compassion and love by helping a wounded stranger (Luke 10:33-35).

CONCLUSION

The commandment to love one another is central to the Christian faith. Jesus elevated love to the highest standard by commanding His followers to love others just as He loved them.

This love is sacrificial, forgiving, and selfless. It reflects the character of God and demonstrates the reality of Christ’s presence in the lives of believers.

When believers live in genuine love, they become a powerful testimony to the world. Love unites the church, strengthens relationships, and reveals the transforming power of the gospel.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, fill my heart with genuine love for others, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to love people the way Christ loves them, in Jesus name.

3. Father, remove every form of bitterness and hatred from my heart, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, teach me to forgive others as You have forgiven me, in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me to demonstrate love through my actions and words, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, let Your love flow through my life to bless others, in Jesus name.

7. Father, unite believers through genuine love and understanding, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, help me to be a peacemaker in every situation, in Jesus name.

9. Father, make my life a reflection of Christ’s love, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let my love for others become a testimony of Your grace, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. The love of Christ shall fill your heart and guide your actions.

2. Your life shall reflect genuine love toward others.

3. Every root of bitterness in your life shall be removed.

4. You shall walk in unity and harmony with fellow believers.

5. The grace to forgive and show compassion shall increase in your life.

6. Your life shall become a testimony of Christ’s transforming love.

7. God shall use you as a channel of peace and reconciliation.

8. Your relationships shall be strengthened through Christlike love.

9. The love of God shall overflow in your life daily.

10. Through your life, many shall see and experience the love of Christ.