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The New Command to Love
Scripture Reading — John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
— John 13:34-35
When Jesus gave this new command to his disciples, he wasn’t simply telling them to show kindness or to be nice to each other. No, Jesus was calling his followers to something deeper—a radical, sacrificial love that mirrors his own.
This is a love that goes beyond feelings and extends into actions. Jesus’ love is the kind of love that says, “I will put your needs above mine, even when that is difficult.”
Think about how often we hear of “love” in the world today. It’s talked about in the context of self-love, romantic love, and the love we feel for family and friends.
But what sets the love of Christ apart is its foundation in sacrifice. Jesus loved us to the point of laying down his life for us all. This is the love he calls us to show to others.
This command is new in the sense that it is not about loving people as we want to love them, but as Jesus loved us—unconditionally and without limit. It’s a love that challenges us to love the unlovable, to forgive when that is hard, and to extend grace when it seems undeserved.
When we walk in the love of Jesus, we bear witness to the world about who Jesus is and the transformation he brings.
Let’s love as he has loved us.
Jesus, thank you for showing us what true love looks like. Help me to love others with the same sacrificial love you have shown me. And may my actions reflect your love. Amen.
About the author — Darrell Delaney
Darrell Delaney is a pastor, leadership coach, and co-host of ReFrame’s podcast ministry Groundwork. Shaped by a story that includes early responsibility in a home marked by addiction, and later seasons of burnout and renewal, Darrell is committed to helping people return to who they are in Jesus Christ so they can live with clarity, identity, and purpose. He is the founder of Strategic Design Consultants and creator of the Lead From Wholeness™ framework, equipping values-driven leaders to build healthy rhythms, resilient teams, and mission-aligned lives. Darrell is a PhD candidate in Organizational Leadership. He and his wife, Kia, have three children. He enjoys family time, walking, reading, basketball, chess, and video games.
Scripture Reading — John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
— John 13:34-35
When Jesus gave this new command to his disciples, he wasn’t simply telling them to show kindness or to be nice to each other. No, Jesus was calling his followers to something deeper—a radical, sacrificial love that mirrors his own.
This is a love that goes beyond feelings and extends into actions. Jesus’ love is the kind of love that says, “I will put your needs above mine, even when that is difficult.”
Think about how often we hear of “love” in the world today. It’s talked about in the context of self-love, romantic love, and the love we feel for family and friends.
But what sets the love of Christ apart is its foundation in sacrifice. Jesus loved us to the point of laying down his life for us all. This is the love he calls us to show to others.
This command is new in the sense that it is not about loving people as we want to love them, but as Jesus loved us—unconditionally and without limit. It’s a love that challenges us to love the unlovable, to forgive when that is hard, and to extend grace when it seems undeserved.
When we walk in the love of Jesus, we bear witness to the world about who Jesus is and the transformation he brings.
Let’s love as he has loved us.
Jesus, thank you for showing us what true love looks like. Help me to love others with the same sacrificial love you have shown me. And may my actions reflect your love. Amen.
About the author — Darrell Delaney
Darrell Delaney is a pastor, leadership coach, and co-host of ReFrame’s podcast ministry Groundwork. Shaped by a story that includes early responsibility in a home marked by addiction, and later seasons of burnout and renewal, Darrell is committed to helping people return to who they are in Jesus Christ so they can live with clarity, identity, and purpose. He is the founder of Strategic Design Consultants and creator of the Lead From Wholeness™ framework, equipping values-driven leaders to build healthy rhythms, resilient teams, and mission-aligned lives. Darrell is a PhD candidate in Organizational Leadership. He and his wife, Kia, have three children. He enjoys family time, walking, reading, basketball, chess, and video games.
