A New Commandment (WOV 664)
Devotion
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.
Text: John 13:34-35
This simple hymn is often sung during Holy Week, particularly on Maundy Thursday. It resonates so well with the theme of our readings this week. God has chosen to be in relationship with us. The command that Jesus gives his disciples, this new commandment, is not actually new at all. The love that God has given to us, that steadfast love to which the psalmist appealed, has been given freely to us—not in a transactional, if/then way, but as a promise, a gift. As followers of Jesus we confess that this gift was especially made known as Christ emptied himself on the cross. He poured out his life for us not because we have been so good at following the commandments—we haven't—but because of God's steadfast lovingkindness. We are loved, Jesus tells us, so we can then love the world—all of God's creation and the people God so loves.
Prayer
God of the law, you give us commandments so we and all our neighbors may have life. Strengthen our faith so we might find joy in following your command to love one another as you have loved us. In your steadfast love. Amen.