A New Way of Living

John 13:34,35 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” NRSV

Yesterday we chatted about self-interest – because all too often we’re way too interested in ourselves at the expense of others who need our help. So, what’s the alternative? How do we live differently?

I don’t know if you ever have this sense, but sometimes it feels like all that God-stuff in the Bible, that “religious stuff” that those Christians bang on about, is so far removed from the day-to-day realities of life, here in the 21^st Century: the life you’re going to live today at work, at home amongst the tensions in your family, and the struggles in your finances.

And yet nothing could be further from the truth. Especially when it comes to living a life not so much of conspicuous self-interest, but one that touches the lives of others in a rich, meaningful way. That’s what Jesus was talking about when He said this:

John 13:34,35 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (NRSV)

Perhaps those quiet words are familiar, in which case it’s easy to skim over them. But let’s just stop … and think about what our lives would look like if we lived them like that. It’s been said that we should live simply, love generously, care deeply, and speak kindly. 

Isn’t that what Jesus is really talking about here? What difference would living out that love make in your workplace, in your home, in your finances … in the lives of others?

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.

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• Living in Victory
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