Love one another

In John 15:12, Jesus is in the upper room with His disciples and He is giving them last minute instructions before He goes to the cross and dies.  He wants to make sure that they know exactly what He wants.  The upper room is His final speech and appeal to not only His disciples but all disciples of all generations.  Jesus says here that He is giving them a new commandment.  This commandment will be the basis and foundation for all they do.  He tells them and us that we are to love one another as He has loved us.  This commandment is not a pie in the sky, moral acknowledgement.  It is a practical application of God's truth in our lives.  Jesus also said that this commandment will show that we are His disciples.  Paul writes in 1 Cor 13:1-2 that love that is not lived out produces, receives and is of no real value.  When you do not love with action every word you speak is hallow and lifeless.  Love is the basis for faith and hope.  Love is the foundation for true life.  No person can truly live and function without love.  God who is love wishes to live and flow through us.  We are God's instruments of love in this world.  We demonstrate what true love is.  Jesus in the next verse says this is how you should love.  Be willing to lay down your life if necessary for your friends.  You need to view everyone in your world as a friend or as a potential friend.  Jesus did and He impacted the world like no other person.  Everywhere Jesus went people were aware that He loved them.  It was love that motivated Jesus to heal, forgive and restore people.  It was love that made Jesus die on the cross for the salvation of all mankind.  Let love be your motivator and foundation of everything you do today.  This commandment will change your life and those you come into contact with.