"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34 & 35)
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he most important instruction that Jesus left for the Eleven was this fresh, "new commandment" to love one another. The attitude of love would be the bond that would keep them united and would be the convincing demonstration to the world that they are his disciples. A believer wears a sign all the times… the sign of love. God seeks to bring us closer to himself by his love so that we may share his love with others. There was a Christian woman who owned two chickens. One afternoon, the chickens managed to escape from her yard and get into her neighbour's garden. The neighbour, who was known for his foul temper, captured both birds, wrung their necks and then threw the carcasses across the fence back into his Christian neighbour's yard.
The woman was understandably hurt and considered giving her neighbor a piece of her mind. Instead, she took the birds home and made two chicken pot pies. She took one pie to her neighbour and then apologized for not watching her chickens more closely. The man was speechless. The chicken pot pie, coupled with an apology, filled him with such a sense of shame that his whole life began to change.
A Christian can never be a blank. He or she is either a blot or a blessing. If your speeches and actions are soaked in love you are a blessing and if not you are a blot. The true nature of love is unselfish and sacrificial.
There is a beautiful legend associated with the site on which the Temple of Solomon was built. The spot is said to be a wheatfield owned by two brothers. The elder one had a family, the younger one had none. After the harvest the wheat was divided into separate piles. On the evening succeeding the harvest, the elder brother said to his wife: “My younger brother is unable to bear the burden and heat of the day; I will arise, take of my sheaves and place with his without his knowledge.”
The younger brother being motivated by the same benevolent intentions, said to himself; “My elder brother has a family, and I have none, I will arise, take of my sheaves and place with his without his knowledge.”
Imagine their astonishment the following day when they found their respective piles undiminished. This transpired for several nights, when each resolved in his own mind to stand guard and solve the mystery. They did so; and the following night they met each other half-way with their arms full.
Upon this ground, sanctified by the love of two brothers, the Temple of Solomon was erected… so spacious and magnificent, the wonder and admiration of the world!’
That "God is love" is explained by what God did. He sent his one and only Son into the world. Love involves concrete actions. God's love required him to send his Son. God's love in us requires deeds by which we show our love for one another. Justas God's children must be holy because he is holy; and merciful because he is merciful, so they must love because he loves them.
