Interpretation of the Bible / John 13:35
John 13:35 is a powerful statement from Jesus to His disciples. In this text, Jesus tells them that love is the defining characteristic of those who follow Him. But what does this verse really mean?
Love as a christian identity
First of all, it is important to understand that love is not just a superficial feeling that fades over time. The Bible understands love as an action, a commitment, and a conscious choice to seek the well-being of another. Jesus calls us to love not only those who are easy or pleasant for us, but everyone, even our enemies.
The Importance of love in the christian community
The Christian church is a diverse community made up of people of different backgrounds, cultures, and views. Conflicts and disagreements can often arise within the community, which makes it even more important to practice love and humility.
When we show genuine love and support to others in our Christian community, we demonstrate the truth of the gospel of Christ in action. In fact, the way we love and treat others may be the only expression of God's love that some people experience in their lives.