New Command

During the Last Supper, Jesus gave a new command. To love as he loved.

Now, to love is not a new command. "Love your neighbor as yourself" was given back in Leviticus. This is a new command, because we are to love one another, like Jesus loved us.

How did Jesus love? He washed feet. He healed. He fed. He died on a cross to erase the punishment for sin, and give people a chance for a new relationship with the Father.

We might have a little trouble with following his example completely. We can't die for people's sin. We can't feed a bunch of people with a couple of English Muffins. But we can keep our eyes open. We can be alert for needs. And we can sacrifice our time, our energy, and our physical possessions to help, benefit, serve, and provide for others. Jesus says that this type of other focused, self denying, work was a demonstration of how we belong to him. It shows that we are followers of him.

One of the Roman Caesars noted how those rotten Christians not only fed their poor -- ie. needy Christians -- but also our poor -- meaning normal idolatrous Roman citizens. 

In the Middle Ages, Christians were seen caring for victims of the bubonic plague. And, eventually, catching the deadly disease themselves.

There are numerous examples of Christians building schools, and hospitals. There are examples of job creation. Like teaching a group of women a skill, so that can begin a business.

And there are, unfortunately, negative examples. In one city, after another hurricane, the city asked a large church if they could house some families, whose homes were destroyed in their building. And because the church was more concerned about possible damage to their property, rather than the lives of people, they said no.

No one is perfect. Especially not Christians. We need to learn to do as Jesus did. And we need to learn to see, think, and feel as Jesus did.

I have started to think of love as: wanting, and acting, to bring about the best for people. This includes physical needs. It also includes heart needs. (Spiritual, emotional, and psychological needs.) So, part of love is wanting, and working, for people to come into relationship with Jesus. Sharing the gospel, because one wants people to know Jesus, is an act of love. To pray for God's Spirit to move, and convince people's hearts about Jesus, is an act of love. To rejoice because someone moves away from something wrong, even if it is not a complete move, is a response of love. They are getting close to the best, closer to the truth.

Love is service, providing, and acting to promote the good of people. But it is also an attitude, and a perspective about people, and their direction in life. One that wants what is best. And understands what that best is.