“A New Commandment,” WOV 664
A new commandment I give unto you that you love one another as I have loved you, that you love one another as I have loved you.
By this shall people know you are my disciples, if you have love one for another; by this shall people know you are my disciples: if you have love one for another.
Devotion
The hymn A New Commandment begins with a familiar command from Jesus, “Love one another as I have loved you,” and continues with, “By this shall people know you are my disciples.”
When I was in college, I felt out of place being around so many new and different people. One summer, I went to my family reunion and saw all these people who looked like me and I knew I was home, that I belonged to these people. In the same way we are made in the image of God. That image is in our actions, specifically our actions and attitudes of love. When we act with love, people see the image of God reflected in us and know who we are and whose we are. You are made in the image of God, so love one another for by this shall people know that you are Jesus’ disciple.
Prayer
Father, you created us in your image and through us, people see you. Help us to live our lives in a manner that reflects your love for the entire world. Amen.