One of the last few teachings of Christ before His trial focused on a key topic called Love.
He said "A new commandment I give to you, that you love another ; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another" John 13:34-35.
What was new about this , the Old Testament has referenced love, many philosophers before Christ and teachers after Him have talked about it but what was fresh and new about what Christ just said.
The love , Christ focused on was not just a feeling but it was all about action and in the 3 years He walked the earth He showed His love to all through His actions. He showed it through the healing of many, through His miracles, through the washing of the feet of His disciples and through the action of sacrifice He was going to do for all.
So what does that mean for us?
Love is an action not just an emotion.Love is effective and not defective. Love is encouraging not discouraging. Love is about others not about you. Love is your whole being working intentionally for the good of others. Love is about our efforts to help and change people for good not our complaints. Love is more than just a word.
Today morning I took a taxi driven by a Pakistani driver and we spoke of cricket , politics and why India and Pakistan don't get along . He finally came to the conclusion that if we don't know each other we won't like each other and the only way we can do that is to start loving each other through our actions". Wise words from this young man and I believe this is what Jesus wanted from us , love in action. We can call ourselves disciples of Christ only when there is love in action , that is the new commandment.
God bless
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