“Live By The New Command: Love One Another…!”

“Live By The New Command: Love One Another…!”
An African father on his death bed called his seven sons to his bedside. He asked for a bundle of twigs. When the bundle was brought to him, he gave it to one son after the other asking each to break it. None of them was able. He then untied the bundle and started giving them a twig each, which they each broke easily. He then told them that if they remained like the bundle of twigs no enemy would disintegrate them. But if they were a loose bundle one by one they would all be destroyed. He told them that unity is strength.
Indeed; no father will intentionally leave his family in disarray before death. Wills are intended to ensure that each family member inherits what is deserved so as to maintain peace, unity and harmony amongst family members.
The moment Judas went out to betray Jesus, Jesus knew his time was up. Among his last words to the disciples was this: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”(Jn.13:31-38).
The command to love one another was an old command in the sense that it had been said of old: “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbour as yourself”(Lev.19:18). Neighbour here does not mean one who lives nearby, but anyone with whom one comes in contact.
However to the disciples of Christ this is a new command in the sense that it is the mark of their special bond created by the great love that Christ has for them. This special bond of love is sacrificial as it is ready to lay down one’s life for the other. Exactly what Jesus did. The same that Peter promised to do but failed the test; although he finally did!
My friend, this new command is the only way that anyone can determine whether we are disciples or not! If we live and practice love for one another, it would not only prove that we belong to Christ, it would definitely transform the world. Love is the tie that binds the brotherhood of humanity in a common bond. Where love reigns, Christ is glorified and salvation is assured!
Weekend prayer: Holy Spirit help me to live this new command: Let me love with the love of Christ. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!