John 13:34–35 (NIV) records Jesus’ stunning command: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
These words came right after Jesus broke bread with Judas, the friend about to betray Him. From that table He walked toward the cross—the greatest act of love in history. Under the Old Covenant God told His people to love their neighbor as themselves. Now Jesus raises the bar: love as I have loved you.
What Makes Jesus’ Love Different
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Sacrificial: He gave His life, paying the cost we deserved.
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Unconditional: He loved those who mocked, betrayed, and crucified Him.
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Empowered by God: The Holy Spirit, given after the resurrection, enables us to love this way.
A Challenge to Christian Men
Men, our culture prizes power, money, and self-protection. But Jesus calls us to a love that costs—for wives, children, brothers in Christ, even enemies. We can’t do it in our own strength. Only the Spirit within can shape us into men who forgive, serve, and sacrifice.
Run Today’s Play
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Submit Daily: Like Jesus in Gethsemane, yield your will to the Father.
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Depend on the Spirit: Ask Him each morning, “Help me love like Jesus today.”
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Act Boldly: Love is proven in action—apologies given, needs met, time invested, pride surrendered.
The world is starving for this kind of love. When we love one another as Jesus loves us, we become living proof that God is real and Christ reigns. Men, let’s show the world we are His disciples—by our love.
