Love One Another

Speaking to his disciples, the Savior declared. "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

The word disciple is critically important. It means a learner or follower. As a type of follower, a disciple is one who follows a master in the hopes of becoming like the master. As he was preparing to leave them and empower them to become leaders in his kingdom, he reminded them them of that which would distinguish them as his disciples: that they love each other as he had loved them.

Love is an interesting thing. It is a feeling that grows when expressed in action. It is both a source of motivation to act and a reward for action. When we feel love and act on it, it grows within us. It is also quite contagious. as sharing love encourages others to love as well. But, God's love is even more powerful. It is transformational. When we feel God's love and we act on it, it grows within us and makes us more like Him.

In this lesson, Christ was teaching His disciples how they would ultimately become like Him, by sharing His love with each other, thereby strengthening each other, and then sharing it with the world. This would distinguish them from all other leaders. By this, the whole world would know that they were His disciples. How does the world know you are His? What do you do to feel, act upon, and share His love with those with whom you serve?