The Practices of Christ’s Disciples
Jn 13:33- “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
This kind of love is called brotherly love (1 Thess 4:9); is possible because God first loved us (1Jn 4:11), we have been born of God (1Jn 3:11) and God dwells in us (1Jn 4:12). It is an unfeigned love (1 Pet 1:22) that is pure, fervent, and doing righteousness (1Jn 3:11).
a. In love serve one another Jn 13:14; Gal 5:13 (ESV)
Apart from illustrating the need to serve one another in the body of Christ, Jesus showed those to whom it must be intentionally directed. Jesus showed how we must lovingly serve those that are opposed to us; people seeking to harm us. We must lovingly serve those we regard as ‘are not clean’ (vs 11) among us. This was how Jesus demonstrated his love to us, he served us, weak, sinners and enemies, by dying on the cross Rom 5:8.
The lesson of Romans 14 is to serve with understanding, acceptance or accommodation of one another and sacrificially.
b. Love gives Jn 3:16; 15:13
The language of love is ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ Acts 20:35. Love initiates giving; it may expect to receive in return but that is not the motivation.
What does love give? Rom 12
- Prefers others vs 10
- Honour or Respect vs 10
- Give your best in everything vs 11
- Doesn’t give up vs 12
- Give a helping hand vs 13
- Speaks blessings/good things vs 14
- Comfortable company vs 15, 16
- Overcomes evil with good 17-21
c. Discussion
– How have you served better by understanding, acceptance and sacrifice?
– Which aspect of loving is challenging for you? What practical steps do you intend to take to see a new you?