Why is it a “new” command?
While the Old Testament already instructed people to love their neighbors (Leviticus 19:18), Jesus raises the standard by asking His followers to love as He loved them. This love is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. It’s the same love that led Him to wash His disciples' feet and ultimately sacrifice His life on the cross.
“As I have loved you”
Jesus’ love was:
Selfless: He put others' needs above His own.
Sacrificial: He laid down His life for humanity.
Forgiving: Even as He was crucified, He asked the Father to forgive His persecutors.
Unconditional: He loved His disciples despite their flaws and failures (like Peter’s denial or Judas’ betrayal).
Application Today
In daily life, this means showing grace to others, helping those in need, and loving people who might be hard to love.
It’s about unity and demonstrating to the world what Christ’s love looks like.
This verse challenges believers to move beyond ordinary love and to love in a radical, Christ-like way. It’s a call to be living examples of Jesus’ love so that others might see God through our actions.
We are not perfect like Christ himself but by humbling ourself and to spread love is what this world need. One step at the time. But a daily reminder ❤