John 13:34-35 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. (35) By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Back in 1967 the Beatles released the hit song, “All You Need Is Love.” Brian Epstein, the bands manager at the time said, “It was an inspired song and they really wanted to give the world a message. The nice thing about it is that it cannot be misinterpreted. It is a clear message saying that love is everything.” Even today the song is heard by millions of people worldwide. It’s unforgettable lyrics ring in my head often whenever I hear the phrase. Unfortunately, we need a lot more love than we can simply muster on our own. We need the Love of Christ!

Jesus, two thousand years before John Lennon was born, had a similar message. All you need is love… for one another. When we have the kind of love for one another that Jesus has for us, then the world will see that we are His disciples. Not just an affection or familiarity, but true love.  Jesus had spoken earlier regarding loving their neighbors and loving their enemies, but now he is talking here about loving each other the way he loves them. The old command was to love your neighbor as yourself. The new command was to love each other the way Christ loves us. This kind of love is willing to lay down ones own life for his brother or sister in Christ.

The reason for this love is to be a light in the world and shine the message of unity and love for one another so bright that men and women will see our love and seek after the Source for themselves. Today I am encouraged to love like Christ. To show love to my fellow Christian brothers and sisters for all the world to see.

Lord, help me today to love like you… Amen