Tag: Love

Love One Another: A New Commandment from Jesus

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AMY TURNER

In the final hours before His death, Jesus gave His disciples a powerful command. In John 13:34, He said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” While the idea of loving others was already known in Jewish teachings, Jesus introduced something different.

This command was not just about kindness or good behaviour—it was rooted in a deeper connection. Much like a young man saying “I love you” in a wedding vow brings new meaning to familiar words, Jesus gave fresh depth to the call to love. He was forming a new bond with His followers, and this new relationship called for a higher standard.

What made His instruction new was the example He gave. The disciples were not simply to love in the way people normally do; they were to love as He had loved them—with sacrifice, patience, and humility.

Today, that same command applies to all who follow Him. We are called to love others in the way Jesus loves us. Isn’t this what we find in 1 John 4:11, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

The Value of Life in Light of the Sixth Commandment

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TEXAS GOSPEL CANADA VOLUNTEER

The sixth commandment, found in Exodus 20:13, states, “You shall not murder.” The original Hebrew word, ratsach, refers specifically to acts of homicide, making it clear that this is not a general prohibition against all forms of killing. For instance, this commandment is not meant to advocate vegetarianism or reject capital punishment outright.

Scripture teaches that every human being is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). This means human life holds unique value and must be treated with the utmost respect. The sixth commandment goes beyond physical acts of violence—it also speaks to the condition of the heart. It condemns murder, suicide, abortion, and even hatred toward others. Jesus expanded on this in Matthew 5:21-22, emphasizing that harbouring anger against someone can be just as serious as the act of murder.

Believers are called to reflect God’s love by rejecting hatred and embracing compassion. As followers of Christ, we are instructed to cherish life, seek peace, and build each other up in love.