JOHN 13:34-35
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 NKJV)
The command to love was new because Jesus gave it a new standard. Moses said, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18). Jesus said the new standard was as I have loved you. Jesus gave His disciples the example of love that they were to follow (vv. 1–17).
By this: Unbelievers recognize Jesus’ disciples not by their doctrinal distinctives, nor by dramatic miracles, nor even by their love for the lost. They recognize His disciples by their deeds of love for one another. (Compare a figurative literal correspondence to this plain literal meaning in 15:8). The early church caught hold of this fantastic principle of incendiary love (Acts 4:32–37, 1 Thess. 1:3). Francis Schaeffer called this “The Mark of a Christian.” It is the greatest apologetic for Christ.
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