John 13:31-35 (NRSV)
Read John 13:31-35 on biblegateway.com
Verse 31When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. Verse 32If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Verse 33Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' Verse 34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. Verse 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Devotion
Although there is disagreement about how they ought to be numbered, Christians generally agree that we are to keep the Ten Commandments. In Jesus’ time, believers spoke of “the commandments and the law,” which referred to both the Decalogue and the many laws that Jews were taught to obey.
But in today’s passage, Jesus simplifies all the law and commandments into a single new mandate: “You also should love one another.” Our professions of love for God take on meaning when we extend that love to our sisters and brothers in Christ — as well as those in our neighborhoods, our countries and throughout the world. This is how we are to live the new commandment that Christ gave us.
Prayer
Lord, forgive us when we don’t love as we ought. Open our eyes so that we may see people as you see them — with love and compassion that moves us to action. Inspire us to respond in love, acting on your behalf. In your name we pray. Amen.