Day 30: Love One Another
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. -John 13:34,35
I didn’t want to see my mom here again. This was her second cancer diagnosis in seven years. This particular time, I visited with her for a portion of her hospital stay for a stem cell transplant. Despite the dismal situation and surroundings, we had a wonderful time together. Since we don’t live in the same community, and now that my brothers and I are all married with children, the two of us can rarely spend such quality time together alone.
I find it remarkable that while being cooped up in a place we didn’t want to be, with a diagnosis we didn’t want to face, and while receiving treatments that made her feel terrible, we could still enjoy sharing hospital-made meals, working puzzles in a window seat, taking walks in the hallways, making new friends with the nurses, and finding ourselves overcome with laughter.
Being with my mom during this time was a joy. This visit was easy for me to enjoy because I am healthy. I know my mom also treasured our time together though she was the one being poked and prodded and in pain. She intentionally chose to love the person in front of her no matter how she felt or how bleak the circumstances.
The beauty of what I experienced with my mom wasn’t exclusive to us. During my brief stay, I witnessed numerous concerned caregivers with their loved ones. In a hospital filled to the brim with sickness and hopelessness, it was also beaming with love and hope. Through my people-watching, I was privy to family and friends sitting for hours at bedsides, pushing wheelchairs, bringing coffees, delivering flowers, hugging in hallways, praying at tables, sharing meals, holding hands, carrying on conversations, and purchasing gifts. It was impactful for me to see how much we need one another, especially in our times of hardship.
Something To Think About
The phrase “one another” is derived from the Greek word allelon, which means “one another, each other, mutually, reciprocally.” This term occurs 100 times in the New Testament, and approximately one-third of these commands instruct Christians to love one another.1 Jesus knew we would need one another, especially once He ascended into Heaven. In fact, shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus gave His disciples a new command to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, all men will know you were my disciples if you love one another (John 13:34,35).”
He was essentially saying love should be the identifying mark of the Christian community. As a matter of fact, the first Christians were given their name by the Romans because of how
generous they were to one another. The early church was comprised of the first disciples doing their best to obey Jesus’ instructions when He was no longer with them. We read their story in the Book of Acts. In chapter 4, we learn, “the believers were of one heart and mind. No one claimed his possessions were his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power, the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them. There were no needy persons among them (Acts 4:32-34).”
This last verse grips me. Read it again. “There were no needy persons among them (v.34).” Can you imagine a society where there was no need among us because we, as Christians, cared for one another so extravagantly? These early believers exemplified a beautiful model of unity and generosity for us to follow.
Our Christlike treatment of one another displays that we are Jesus’ disciples to a watching world. However, how often do people see petty bickering, greed, revenge, callousness, jealousy, and division instead? I’m guilty of all of the aforementioned. But, may I challenge us today? The world is a hospital for the hurting. People are longing for someone to come alongside and help carry their burdens. Let us meet their needs by helping when it’s inconvenient and serving sacrificially. This kind of behavior is hard to do. That is why people notice when you do and know a supernatural source empowers you to do so. Who knows? Maybe loving one another, in this counter-cultural way, could welcome someone into the family of God.
Extra Verses For Study Or Prayer
Romans 12:10; 1 Peter 5:14
Verse Of The Day
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. -John 13:34,35
Prayer
Father, thank You for modeling what it was like to love Your disciples. I’m grateful for the example of the early church. Forgive me for acting in ways contrary to Your nature. Help me to see the burdens in front of me and act to meet those needs with the resources and gifts You’ve given me. I pray for unity and a spirit of generosity to invade our community. When people are watching me, may they only see You. In Jesus’s name, amen.
- What kind of behavior do people witness when they watch you? Do you think your actions show you are Jesus’ disciple?
- Is there someone God is laying on your heart that might need His love expressed through you today? What steps can you take to become more loving to the people in your life who would follow the model of the generosity and unity of the early church disciples?
*1 Hilda Scott, “How Many One Anothers In the Bible?” Holy Script, November 20, 2023; How many one anothers in the bible? – The holy script
