The New Testament is filled with life-giving instruction on how as followers of Jesus Christ we are to treat one another. The Bible repeatedly commands us to love one another. The Apostles John, Paul, and Peter all emphasize how important this is.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks to the disciples giving them instructions.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another," John 13:34-35.

Twice more He commands them to love one another, in John 15:12 and 17. They are to love each other as He loved them, so that everyone will know they are His disciples. This still applies to us today. Our sweet Savior commands us to love each other selflessly so that the world will know that we are His disciples.

Paul continues to speak on this in his letter to the church in Rome: Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8. He reminds us that loving one another fulfills the law that Jesus taught.

Here are Paul’s exhortations on the subject to the church:

1 Thessalonians 3:12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another

1 Thessalonians 4:9 …for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another….

Peter also talks about this love.

1 Peter 1:22…love one another fervently with a pure heart..

1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."

And John continues:

1 John 3:23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another….

1 John 4:12…If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.

If all believers take this command to heart, we could make a different in all the lives we touch on a daily basis. I am not saying it is easy to do but we have to be conscious of our actions towards others. We ourselves have to be grateful for the love God showed us in giving His only son. If we believe that to be true, then we have to follow His example.

Make a difference and share love today. It is amazing how just a smile can brighten someone’s day.

God Bless!