What the Bible says about “The New Commandment”

“A new commandment I give you: Love one another “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:43-45 NIV

“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:46-48 NIV

The New Scope of this Commandment In comparison to the Old Commandment The Old Commandment was interpreted very narrowly – Matthew 22:39; Matthew 5:46-47 There was a lot of animosity and hatred – Matthew 5:43; Luke 10:25-37

The New Scope of this Commandment Jesus taught that we must love ALL people Love one another . . . – John 13:34; Matthew 5:43-48 Love your brother, neighbor, foreigner . . . Love the poor, the weak, sinners, enemies . . . We are to love ALL people!

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:16-18 NIV

The New Example of this Commandment Love one another as I have loved you Jesus not only loved his neighbor as himself, he loved his neighbor more than himself ! Jesus’ love is sacrificial – John 15:13; Philippians 2:3-5 Jesus’ love is unconditional – Romans 5:6-8; Luke 23:34 Jesus’ love is eternal – Lamentations 3:22-23; 1 Cor. 13:8

The New Example of this Commandment This is a practical Love Jesus didn’t just preach love, He lived it! Let us not love with words or speech – 1 John 3:16-18; James 2:14-17 But with actions and in truth! – 1 John 3:18b

“A new commandment I give you: Love one another “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV

The New Proof of this Commandment Everyone will know you are my disciples This is what sets us apart from others! – John 13:35 Love breaks down barriers – Ephesians 2:11-18 Love brings people together – Matthew 5:9 Love leads people to Jesus – John 3:16; Matthew 28:19-20

The New Proof of this Commandment IF you love one another How do people view you? – 1 John 2:7-11; 3:17-18 We still have a lot to learn about Love!