August 31, 2023

John 13:34-35 (HCSB)
34 “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

TW Mitchell
“But Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene –walk!” (Acts 3:6 NASB) The Peter in John 13:36-38 and the Peter in Acts contrast significantly. The Acts account reveals a man who had been totally transformed. Once he’d cut someone’s ear off and now, he’s healing the lame. God’s love transformed Peter. Jesus commanded them to love one another like I have loved you and that everyone will know you are my disciples. Jesus taught and lived agape love. It’s simply God’s love to humans (John 3:16). Agape love is the fruit of His Spirit (Galatians 5:22) that enables us to love others as Christ did. Agape can be revealed to those around us by purposely being kind, even when it hurts. Agape is supernatural, from above (see 1 Cor. 13). Will our actions and responses convince others we are disciples of Jesus?