The 11th Commandment

 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.  John 13:34-35

We live in a world with so much discourse and nonbelief in each other.  The conversations have become too hot to handle, and we talk to each other with such venom and emotion that at times it becomes impossible to hear the other side.  Those feelings can just overwhelm you, and recently, I too have dished it out with anger and frustration.  However, I once again discovered it was only through Christ that I could find my center again and a strength to love those who would wish ill will of me.

It is only through love of each other that we can reveal the love Christ has for us to others.  In reading today’s verses, we are given the hope of a better society that is attainable.  However, love, contrary to what you may have heard, is not easy.  Just like when you were asked to eat the vegetable you did not like because your mother said so, anything that is commanded never comes without a level of self-sacrifice.  It’s not just about the love for a child or spouse, and not for just God.  It is love for all who you would come in contact with.  Whether they act, look, think, or talk like you or not, we can only show ourselves to be true Disciples of Christ when we show love.  For in the end, those who love always come out ahead. 

Love is hard, but anything worthwhile is never easy.  So when someone says something you may not agree with, don’t jump to your initial reaction to be right.  Pause, and then reflect on the love God has for you.  Then, show that in your response.  That’s what this commandment is all about.  How can you focus on God’s love for you when challenged?  Will you let go of past anger, hurt, pride, or other inhibitors of love and pursue a more loving path toward others?  My prayer is that we take up Jesus on His new commandment; The 11^th Commandment.  Amen.