Introduction:
* The Christian love is one that transcends even familial ties.
* Despite the imperfection of the church, Jesus’ teachings on loving our brethren was clear and deliberate.
* Even as we lost hope in human relationship, trust in the love which Christ has bestowed upon those who believe in Him.
<John 13:34-35>
34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
A New Command – Love
* Different from Old Testament?
* <Leviticus 19:18>. 18 “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
1) We are to love our brethren JUST AS our Lord loves us
* Ponder: Love your neighbor as yourself Vs love one another just as the Lord love you
① Be willing to lay down our lives for them
* <John 15:13>: Greater love has no one than this, that he to lay down his life for his friends.
② Empathize with others in their weaknesses.
* <Heb 4:15>: 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
2) Through loving, mirror the love of the Father for the Son and the Son for the Father.
* <John 15:9,12>: 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love… 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
* Triune God who encompasses within Himself diversity (three persons) and unity (one essence)
* True love for other believers unifies the diverse church.
Befriend others in the same faith, even if they are not in our denomination or practicing our traditions.
1) True Unity doesn’t deny the Truth.
2) Beware of conservatism that divides.
3) Dealing with peripherals issues in different denomination.
* <Romans 13:8>: Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowmen has fulfilled the law.
