“This is my command: Love each other. ‘If the world hates you, keep in mind
that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its
own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the
world. That is why the world hates you.’” (John 15:17-19 NIV)
“command.” It is essential for his disciples to love one another. Why? It is essential
because the world hates a Christ-centered lifestyle. And we must remember that
the world hated Christ, so let’s understand a few crucial elements.
First, Christ’s disciples do not belong to this
world. Jesus prayed for his disciples, “I have given them
your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more
than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world
but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as
I am not of it” (John 17:14-16 NIV).
no middle ground between Christ and the world. The world hates everyone who
does not belong to it. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were constantly warned
against the Canaanites and their influence. The Canaanites didn’t love God nor
serve him.
Third, this is why
the world hates Christ’s disciples. Christ has chosen us “out of the world”
instead of simply confirming the world’s beliefs, worship, and lifestyles. The
world’s philosophy is this: everyone can do as he/she sees fit. Christ’s
philosophy is this: observe whatsoever I have commanded.
is needed among Christ’s disciples. It will cure many ills and heretical
teachings in the Church. It will stop the fracturing and splintering. It will repair
what has already been done. More importantly, it will make the world to see
that God did indeed send Christ AND that God does indeed love the world just as
he loves Christ (John 17:21-23).
Dear Father, thank
you for your love for us. Empower us to show your love by loving one another.
This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
courageous in your love for Christ’s disciples,