… as I have loved you.

Scripture. John 15:12

12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

What does it mean to love one another?  Love is the reason for many wonderful things in the world.  However, “love” can also be blamed for terrible things.  People, driven by their passions, are capable of truly horrible things.  So, what does Jesus mean when He tells us to love on another?

Jesus speaks very clearly so that we will not follow our own passions and somehow think we are doing his will.  He tell us to love one another “as I have loved you,”  Jesus directs us to His own example so that we will have a true pattern to follow.

We do need Jesus’ pattern!  Due to our fallen nature, we struggle to love one another as we ought.  Our own desires and motives can easily eclipse godly love in our lives.  We lose our way and fail in our love for others.  How can we remember Jesus’ love for us? 

The pattern of the services of God’s house show us God’s love.  As we enter God’s house of prayer, we spend time in silent prayer.  Why is this?  We enter God’s presence to listen to His word.  Silence is proper before one whose Words bring life.  Therefore we begin in silence, and pray for an open heart to God’s Word.

Next, we turn to the Lord in repentance for our sins.  God’s love is seen in this, that while we were sinners Christ died for us.  The Word of God shows us our sins and need for a Savior.  In love, God does not destroy us.  Rather, he calls us to return to Him with all our hearts.  The absolution of God, Jesus’ very Words of forgiveness spoken from the cross, calm our hearts and allow us to experience His love.

As the service progresses we hear the Words of God as recorded in the Holy Bible.  We see in various ways how humanity has sinned and how we have failed our Lord.  But, the point of it all, is that God is faithful. He comes to us as our Savior, and through Jesus death on the cross and resurrection shows us the full measure of His love.  We never tire of this message, nor do we outgrow our need for the Gospel.

As we kneel at the altar, we receive the body and blood of Jesus offered for the forgiveness of our sins. Here we have a personal encounter with God.  God forgives our sins and transforms our whole being.  God the Holy Spirit empowers a new life in us that can truly care for others.  

“…as I have loved you” is the pattern of the Divine service lived out in communities across the nation and around the world.  May the love of God that you experience in Jesus be the pattern of your love towards all people.

Let us pray

Lord Jesus, I thank you for leaving me a pattern of love to follow in the service of your church.  Strengthen my faith and reception of your mercy so that I may love others as you have loved me.  In your name I pray,  AMEN