1. SAVIOR C haracter for G rowth John 13:34-35

2. The Lord Jesus knew his earthly ministry was coming to a close. His mission “to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10) was contingent to the success of his disciples.

3. This is why he spent most of his remaining time with them; giving them the most important succinct instructions.

4. One of these crucial commands is found in John 13:34-35 (and 15:12),

5. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

6. This command is new because it has a fresh standard and motivation for love. Instead of loving our neighbors as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18), we are to love one another as Jesus Christ loved us.

7. There are at least three ways that we can express our love for other believers in Christ. As we diligently apply them, we will see our lives transformed. Love transforms character.

8. LOVE by Serving Graciously (John 13:12-17; cf. I Peter 4:8-11)

9. “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)

10. “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:15)

11. As Jesus predicted (John 13:7), Peter realized that Christians ought to serve others faithfully with every gift and energy that God provides (I Peter 4:10). As Jesus predicted (John 13:7), Peter realized that Christians ought to serve others faithfully with every gift and energy that God provides (I Peter 4:10).

12. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (I Peter 4:8-9)

13. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (I Peter 4:10)

14. “If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” (I Peter 4:11b)

15. Regardless of your position and rank in society or in church, be willing to serve others in menial ways. Regardless of your position and rank in society or in church, be willing to serve others in menial ways.

16. Serving God has no perks and privileges. On the contrary, loving others takes work, takes money, and takes time.

17. LOVE without RESERVATION!

18. LOVE by Supporting Generously (I John 3:17-18)

19. “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?” (I John 3:17)

20. “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth.” (I John 3:18)

21. Love must be expressed in practical and tangible ways such as providing for others who are in need. Love must be expressed in practical and tangible ways such as providing for others who are in need.

22. Regardless of the amount of your resources and wealth, there is always a practical way you can help others. Regardless of the amount of your resources and wealth, there is always a practical way you can help others.

23. LOVE without HESITATION!

24. LOVE by Sacrificing Genuinely (John 15:13; I John 3:16)

25. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

26. “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.” (I John 3:16)

27. The opportunity to lay down your life for a brother in Christ may not happen in your lifetime. But just in case it does, it will be the best opportunity to express your love for another. The opportunity to lay down your life for a brother in Christ may not happen in your lifetime. But just in case it does, it will be the best opportunity to express your love for another.

29. Regardless of what opportunities lie ahead of us, there are other forms of sacrificial giving which we can seize to express our love for others. Regardless of what opportunities lie ahead of us, there are other forms of sacrificial giving which we can seize to express our love for others.

30. LOVE without LIMITATION!

31. “If we do not show love to one another, the world has a right to question whether Christianity is true.” (Francis A. Schaeffer)