Five times Jesus tells His disciples that they are to love one another (John 13:34-35; 15:12, 17). These commands are sandwiched between Jesus' washing His disciples' feet and His sacrifice on the cross. Together, they underscore that love is an action characterized by humbly serving others at their point of need. Jesus' example and fivefold command made an indelible imprint on the early church, who were known by all for their loving concern for one another. Are your relationships marked by Jesus' kind of love?

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command."—John 15:12-14

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I hear Your command to love others, and I am humbled by Your self-sacrificial example. Help me love others through my willingness to serve them, so that they will know Your love in action. In Your name I pray, amen.