“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.”             John 15:12

This verse is well known, and we can be tempted to read it and move on too quickly, missing the depth of Jesus’ words. It’s a defining statement.

In a week when love is especially visible, Jesus offers us a definition of love that goes deeper than romance or sentiment. In John 15:12, he doesn’t describe love—he commands it. This can feel uncomfortable.

Jesus isn’t trying to force an emotional response from us-he’s calling for action.

The true weight of his command is captured in the phrase “in the same way I have loved you.” This is where it gets personal. What does Christ’s love actually look like? 

• 1 John 4:19 tells us that God is the initiator of love: “We love because he first loved us.”  
• John 15:13 tells us that Jesus’ love is sacrificial. ^“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” 
• Romans 5:8 reveals that Jesus’ love is undeserved. ^“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
• 1 Chronicles 16:34 tells us that God’s love is faithful. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

Let’s be honest. This is a challenging command!

We frequently encounter real-life obstacles that prevent us from following this command. Past wounds create barriers for self-protection. At times, we are simply exhausted from dealing with challenging circumstances. This is part of being human, but God encourages us to reach for more.

It’s important to notice that Jesus gives this command after reminding us of His love. We love others not to earn love, but from the overflow of already being loved.

Jesus calls us to love as a way of life, not merely as an isolated moment. Christ is shaping a community.

Who might God be inviting you to love more like Jesus right now?