A Different Life

John 15:17-19 “This is my command: Love each other. 18 If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
 
AS you would read through the entire gospel of John, perhaps you would wonder, “Why does Jesus often repeat such teachings as, “Love each other.”
   You can understand Jesus’ teaching and preaching methods when you briefly look at your family, city, nation, and church. Love is often minimal (if it exists at all) between “one another” isn’t it? We don’t need to be told, “Irritate one another. Be jealous of one another. Let pride guide your relationships. Do not forgive others.” These ways of destruction are normal between people. From Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 until today, history has recorded mankind does not naturally base our relationships on, “Love each other.”
   Even more, John’s record of Jesus’ repetitions comes from an apostle who has seen the world’s violent opposition to Jesus. He is the sole survivor of the apostles who were martyred for their love for Jesus and for others. The apostles loved the Jews and the Gentiles so much, they gave their lives that many would be saved. Acts 12:1 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The elder apostle has witnessed much division in the church. He has seen that love is too often short-lived or entirely missing. 1 John 2:9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. When love is minimal, evil will overwhelm, sometimes subtly, always dividing through envy, anger and pride.   
   Yes, the world’s ways are our natural ways to live. Jesus repeatedly commands us out of the natural life into his supernatural power. His love is above all earthly love. To be sure, as the world constantly attacks our faith, even hates us for our faith, we must be even more diligent to demonstrate John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” In all circumstances be true to the Lord. Keep in mind he will reward your love with abundant joy forever. No measure of the world is so important that it should rule your life.
   Mark your life, instead, with a Jesus-like love for one another.