I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.   John 13 : 34

Reading for this week : John 13 : 31 - 35

Thought for the week

It seems hugely significant that Jesus speaks of love immediately after Judas has gone from the upper room to betray Him. Jesus knows this is the significant time, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified”. Jesus’ reaction is not condemnation or shock, or retribution or even judgement. Instead it is to declare that the hope won through Cross and healing for the world has begun.

Jesus is bringing His Kingdom, and a whole new relationship with God, a whole new way of life in God’s faithfulness and forgiveness.

So Jesus announces the new beginning. And a Kingdom that begins with all those who will follow, who will believe in Him, in our age and every age. And the key to this Kingdom being built and growing is, “Love one another”.

This is not love in a way that benefits us, or wins us friends. It is not love that is for a time and then retreats. It is not love for certain people or some circumstances.

Who do you need to show Jesus’ love to today? Maybe a stranger. Maybe to someone who has hurt you. Maybe to someone in a different part of the world. Love that is love in its purest, sacrificial form. The love Jesus has for us. This is how we are to love one another.

Rev Paul

A Call to Worship

Come all who are weary of wealth, of poverty, of power, of struggle, of division

Come all who are heavy-laden with too much, with too little, with anxiety, with fear, with anger

Come all who have hope for liberation, for peace, for freedom, for the kingdom

Hear these words

“See, I am making all things new.”

from I Am Making All Things New, by Rosie Venner. Posted on the WSCF Europe website