Did you know as Christians we are commanded to Love? Yesterday we talked about how the Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection are the greatest act of love in history. But did you know that Jesus gave a new command to his disciples at the last supper?

It can be found in the Gospel of John chapter 13. “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. Jesus calls us to love those around us as he did – selflessly. Jesus was less than 24 hours from his death, and he chose to wash the feet of his disciples (John 13:1-12), break bread and fellowship with disciples (Luke 22:14-16) who would betray him (John 13:26-27), deny him (John 13:38), fall asleep when he needed them most (Luke 22:44-45), and abandon him (Mark 14:50). I don't know about you, but I wouldn't consider that my ideal "last day on earth".

Jesus loved his disciples and sacrificed himself for them & all of mankind. Over and over, we fall captive to sin, and still God sees us in our repentance and washes us clean through the blood Christ shed on the cross. That is love. To be a disciple of Christ you must love selflessly. Not just those who are easy to love, but everyone. Even those who betray you or abandon you are called to love.

But we don’t need to do it alone. On Pentecost, God sent the Holy Spirit to come dwell in the hearts of believers (Act 2:1-12). The Holy Spirit works inside you to become more like Christ. In fact, in the New Testament book of Galatians, we are told about the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The Fruit of the Spirit are 9 virtues you will see in the lives of believers that are faithful walking with God and striving to be more Christ like daily. Wouldn’t you know it, the very first fruit mentioned is LOVE! The others are joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control!