As Christ Did

If we decide to love as Christ loved us, it will look a lot like this: we would, Submit to one another, Forgive one another, Encourage one another, Restore one another as Christ did. Accept one another, Care for one another, Bear with one another, Carry one another’s burdens as Christ did.

This is the shortlist of all God, through Christ, has done for each of us. Jesus’ new single command was designed to serve as the overarching ethic for his church.

“Love one another, just as I have loved you” John 15:12. ESV.

Imagine a world where people were envious of how well we treated one another even though skeptical of what we believed. There was a time when pagans found the church to be somewhat irresistible. Church: we should be somewhat irresistible today also. The “As Christ did list” should epitomize the reputation of those who call themselves Christians. When people outside the church think about people inside the church, the items on this list should come to mind. We should be the best neighbours, employers, employees, friends, partners, and coaches in the community.

Everybody wants to be loved, and everybody wants to feel included in a community characterized by love. The “As Christ did” way, the way of Jesus, appeals to something that resides in the heart of every man, woman, and child. We all desire to be included, recognized and loved. So, what if we just did that? Why not? After all, Paul said, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Galatians 5:6.

Here are more scriptures to read (ESV Version):

“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.”
John 13:34.

“And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” 1 John 4:21.

“And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 1 John 3:23.

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10.

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly since love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8.

“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. ” Ephesians 5:2.

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” 1 Peter 3:8.

“For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” 1 John 3:11-18.

“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,” 1 Peter 1:22.